It is commonly believed that cats will chase away mice from your house. Before you rush to an animal facility to adopt a cat, read this piece to find out more about the risks, how cats can worsen your mouse problem, and other ways to keep mice away. Check it out here to contact your local pest control provider.
Can your cat repel mice?
In general, cats are excellent at keeping mice out of the major areas of the house. This is not to say that the mice will be completely eradicated, and they usually require expert care. Usually, they build their homes inside walls, in attics, or in hidden areas of the house where cats cannot access. They can just stay hidden and move through the walls once they recognize that a cat is close by.
Not All Cats Hunt
It can be hard to determine whether a new cat will hunt until you get it home, unless you currently have a cat who you know loves to hunt.
Cats and rat control
It is important to keep in mind that cats might not always be an effective remedy for rat infestations when asking, “Will a cat get rid of rats?” Questions like “Will a cat’s presence deter rats?” and “Can cats smell rats?” come up. Although cats have the ability to detect rodents, there is no guarantee that they will be effective at keeping them under control.
Cats can make the situation worse
Occasionally, some cats can worsen your mouse problem. When their prey is still alive, many outdoor cats want to bring it back as a trophy or to play with. You could be in danger if you have an outdoor cat that enjoys hunting and you live close to a field or other area where mice are common. If they release their victim, they may bring a mouse infestation to your house. Since most cats hunt at night, your probable problem may go undetected at first.
A lot of individuals think that cats’ odours may keep mice and rats away just by being around them. or “Does cat scent keep mice away?” draw interest in a common misconception. According to some research, rodents may grow more cautious of predators, such as cats, if they smell them. However, mice and rats can still be repelled by the simple scent of cats, such as cat litter or urine, alone.
Mice Reproduce Fast
It is uncertain that your cat will catch all the mice, even if it can do so sometimes. A lot of mice will hide behind walls to avoid the cat, and they reproduce rapidly. Every three weeks, female mice can give birth to litters of four to ten mice, and the newborn mice can mate as soon as six weeks after birth. For this reason, it is essential to get rid of any infestation as quickly as possible.
Tips for Preventing Mice
Luckily, there are other ways to keep mice away than cats.
Seal Holes and Cracks
The main cause of the problem remains unresolved, even if your cat is successful at catching mice. Avoiding mouse entry spots is an essential step in preventing mice from accessing your house.
Get Rid of Clutter
Mice prefer to construct their homes in crowded places. It is important to maintain your house clutter-free to deter them from building a nest anywhere in it. Move any wood, brick, stone, or plant heaps away from your house and maintain an organized garden.