Cats are quite effective at keeping mice out of the home. Not only do they catch and kill mice, they also scare mice away by their mere presence. But what about dogs? Can dogs be useful deterrents against mouse infestations? Let’s find out.
Can a dog keep mice away from the home?
Although dogs can be effective in scaring away mice, it is not guaranteed to work. Some breeds will catch mice, while others may be able to reduce the odds of an infestation.
A team from the University of Florida published research in 2017, in which they carried out tests to determine if mice populations decreased when cats and dogs were present. They found that both pets reduced rodent activity significantly in the home, but any existing infestations remained. This means that mouse infestations can be prevented by the presence of a cat or dog, but mice will continue to take advantage of the shelter once they are set up inside.
What dog breeds are best at keeping mice away?
In the past, rodent and pest control was a primary purpose for certain breeds of dogs. It was important to keep mice from crop and livestock, so some dogs were bred for this purpose, and this was particularly useful in the Black Death era.
Here is a list of dogs that can scare off mice:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Dachshunds
- Lakeland Terriers
- German Pinschers
- Rat Terriers
- Cairn Terriers
- Papillons
As you may have noticed, these are small dog breeds, which is what makes them good at catching mice. Mice will run and hide in nooks and crannies to escape, and smaller dogs are better able to reach them.
Will dog fur keep mice away?
Mice have a very sensitive sense of smell, and if they sense the smell of a predator, they are much more likely to avoid the area. However, mice do not seem to be afraid of dog smells or their fur.
Dogs vs. traditional control methods
Having a dog in the home can prevent certain pests from targeting your building, but it is not a guarantee, and if you just have one dog in your home, it is very unlikely that it will be able to completely remove an infestation. If you want to prevent or control a house mouse infestation effectively, it’s best to stick to traditional methods. We can help you with that. Contact us today for professional pest control services.
Tags: Mice Control, Mouse Control, Mouse Extemrinator
