Keep mice and rats out of your home with one £2 kitchen cupboard staple

These affordable, common kitchen items can help keep mice and out of your home as the temperature drops and we move into

The most common way mice get into your home is through small holes in its exterior.

Sealing these up for the winter can do more than just keep rodents out; it can also improve your home's temperature control.

By using materials like caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam, you can close up these gaps effectively, blocking the entry of mice while keeping the warmth from your heating system indoors where it's needed.

Out of these items, steel wool scourers are particularly inexpensive in most British supermarkets, coming at just around £2 at Tesco.

The colder weather can make our homes an inviting destination for mice and rats, according to Pest UK.

Bird feeders are often left out in the cold weather, which can also attract rodents to your garden and then home.

While filling small holes in your property will help deter these pests, there are also other ways to help deter them from your home, according to .

Remove Food Sources

Mice are drawn to fatty, high-protein, and sugary foods-hence the classic image of a mouse nibbling on cheese. To deter them, keep these kinds of foods stored properly and sealed. This may involve transferring foods from bags and boxes into airtight plastic or glass containers. Not only will this keep pests away, but it will also help your food last longer.

Maintain a Clean, Clutter-Free Home

While mice may like the warmth of a human home, they usually prefer staying out of sight. Homes with clutter offer them ample hiding spots and plenty of nesting material. Regularly decluttering, sweeping, and vacuuming can make your home far less attractive to mice and other winter pests.

Try Natural Repellents

Once you've handled food sources and clutter, consider natural repellents if mice remain a problem. . Mix your choice with water and spray in areas where you see signs of mice activity. These solutions usually take about a week to show results.