How can I evict mice from a house wall? - briefly
Seal all cracks and gaps in the wall, place snap or live traps inside the cavity, and eliminate food and water sources while optionally using rodent repellent or ultrasonic devices.
How can I evict mice from a house wall? - in detail
Mice occupying wall cavities require a systematic approach that eliminates the infestation and prevents recurrence.
First, confirm activity by listening for scratching, smelling urine, or spotting droppings. Seal all interior openings larger than a quarter‑inch—cracks around pipes, vents, and electrical boxes—using steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam.
Next, choose an appropriate removal method:
- Snap traps: Place 2–3 per 10 ft of wall, baited with peanut butter or dried fruit. Position perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the mouse’s travel path.
- Electronic traps: Offer rapid, humane death; locate them near known runways.
- Live‑catch traps: Use only if immediate release outside the property is feasible; otherwise, they risk re‑entry.
Deploy traps at night when mice are most active. Check traps daily; dispose of dead rodents with sealed bags and disinfect the area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
After removal, treat the interior surface with a rodent‑resistant sealant. Apply a thin layer of polyurethane or similar coating to exposed drywall and insulation to deter future nesting.
Finally, establish preventive measures:
- Keep food storage in airtight containers; clean crumbs promptly.
- Remove clutter near walls that could serve as shelter.
- Maintain exterior landscaping—trim vegetation away from the foundation and keep mulch at least 6 in from the house.
- Inspect the roof and eaves for gaps; install metal flashing where needed.
Consistent monitoring and sealing of entry points, combined with effective trapping and sanitation, will eradicate the current problem and reduce the likelihood of new incursions.