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New Windows: They Saved My Bank Account

I have to admit that I am very frugal, but I have to be with my large family. When heating and air-conditioning bills were just becoming too much to bear, I finally caved in and bought new windows that I was told were more energy-efficient. They weren't as expensive as I thought they would be, which was great news. I had them installed just before winter began, and I received the lowest heating bill for the month of November that I had received in years! I was so happy that I had those windows installed, especially after being so hesitant to spend the cash on them. I created this blog to help other frugal people like me realize that sometimes spending money on home improvements really does pay off in the long run! I am now looking into new home insulation to save even more cash!

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New Windows: They Saved My Bank Account

How To Remove Mice From Your Basement

by Michelle Davidson

Mice often move into a home's basement in the winter, usually in search of food and shelter. If you don't spend a lot of time in your basement, you may not even be aware there is a problem until you find a nesting site or droppings. Taking care of these pests requires patience and persistence.

#1: Seal the Entrances

Mice can get into your home via an entrance as small as 1/4-inch, so your first task is to make sure there are no entrances to your basement. Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for any cracks or holes in the foundation or walls. Stuff steel wool into the holes and then fill them with caulk. The steel wool prevents the mice from simply chewing through the caulk and reopening the hole.

Another place to check is the weatherstripping around doors and windows. Broken or missing weatherstripping can leave a gap, which mice can fit through.

#2: Remove Food Sources

One of two things attracts mice to your basement – food or shelter. You can begin to make the basement less appealing by getting rid of any all food sources.

Store food, including pet food, in metal or glass containers. You can also use thick plastic food storage buckets. Cardboard or thin plastic bags won't stop the mice, they will simply chew through them.

Look for and secure unlikely food sources, too. Bird seed or garden seed, or even crumbs left on the floor, can keep a mouse population well-fed.

#3: Clean Thoroughly

Even though you still have mice, it's time to clean the basement thoroughly. Removing nesting sites helps drive mice away, and beginning with a clean slate helps you monitor for fresh droppings more readily. Wear gloves and face mask, as mouse droppings can carry diseases. Thoroughly sweep and mop the floors, using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Sort through boxes of paper and clothing to make sure mice haven't been nesting inside, and then clean the contents when necessary.

It's best to make sure there are no items left on the floor where mice can hide or make a nest. Store items on shelves and place them in plastic tubs, instead of cardboard boxes, when possible.

#4: Destroy the Pests

Generally, poisons aren't recommended for DIY mouse control. Poisons can pose a danger to children and pets, plus the mice may die in the walls and cause a stink throughout the home. Instead, try using regular snap traps with peanut butter as bait. Check and empty the traps daily until no signs of mice remain.

For severe infestations, poison may be the only option. In this case, bring in a professional rodent control company. They can ensure the poison is used in a manner that is safe for your family, while also monitoring the population until the mice are gone.

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