How can I get rid of house mice? - briefly
Seal all gaps and cracks, store food in airtight containers, and maintain a clean environment to eliminate attractants; then deploy snap traps or bait stations in active pathways, monitoring and replacing them until activity ceases. Regularly inspect and repair entry points to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I get rid of house mice? - in detail
Eliminate indoor rodents by combining exclusion, sanitation, and control measures.
Identify and block entry points. Inspect foundation, walls, windows, doors, and utility penetrations. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or concrete to seal gaps larger than ¼ inch. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Reduce food sources. Store dry goods in airtight containers. Clean crumbs and spills promptly. Keep garbage in sealed bins and remove it regularly. Eliminate standing water and fix leaks.
Deploy trapping devices. Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, baited with peanut butter or dried fruit, provide rapid kill. Place several traps at mouse pathways, checking and resetting daily. For larger infestations, consider multi‑catch live traps, but release captured animals far from the residence.
Apply bait stations responsibly. Use anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides placed in tamper‑proof stations. Follow label instructions, keep stations out of reach of children and pets, and monitor consumption.
Consider repellents as supplementary tools. Ultrasonic emitters, peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, or dried mothballs may deter activity but should not replace physical barriers and traps.
Maintain ongoing vigilance. Conduct monthly inspections of sealed openings, replace worn trap bait, and keep food storage practices strict. If activity persists after several weeks, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional for comprehensive treatment and advice.