Mice in Your Home: Quick Tips to Keep Them Out of Your Furniture

Seeing a mouse dart across the living room is a gut‑punch. Not only is it creepy, but those little critters love to chew on sofa legs, cushions, and wiring. The good news? You don’t need a full‑blown exterminator to stop them. A few everyday habits can shut down a mouse invasion before it starts.

Seal the Entry Points

First thing’s first: block the way in. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, so walk around your house with a flashlight and look for gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Caulk, steel wool, or a simple door sweep will do the trick. Don’t forget the basement and garage—those are common highways for rodents.

Make Your Sofa Unappealing

Rodents are attracted to soft, warm spots and any food crumbs they can sniff out. Keep your sofa clean by vacuuming weekly and wiping down any spills right away. If you have pets, use a washable slipcover that you can toss in the dryer—heat kills any hidden eggs. Adding a few small, scented sachets of peppermint or cedar around the couch legs also deters mice because they hate the smell.

Another easy fix is to lift the sofa off the floor. A sturdy coffee table or a set of low risers creates a tiny gap that most mice won’t cross. It also gives you a better view of any tiny critters trying to sneak under.

Store snacks and pet food in sealed containers. Even a crumb left on a side table can become a buffet for a mouse, turning your living room into a hotspot. When you’re cooking, keep kitchen doors closed and clean the countertops right after meals.

If you already see signs—tiny droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded fabric—set up quick traps. Snap traps or humane catch‑and‑release bins work best when placed along walls, behind the sofa, or near suspected entry points. Check them daily and dispose of any catches promptly to avoid a smelly situation.

Regular maintenance goes a long way. Replace worn‑out sofa cushions that have holes, because mice love to nest inside. A fresh cushion not only looks better but also removes a cozy hideout.

Finally, keep the outdoor area tidy. Trim back shrubs, remove leaf piles, and store firewood away from the house. A clean perimeter reduces the chance of mice making a beeline for your front door.

By sealing gaps, keeping the sofa spotless, and using a few natural deterrents, you can protect your furniture and enjoy a mouse‑free living room. It’s all about staying a step ahead—simple habits now save you a big headache later.