How can I get rid of mice and rats in my house? - briefly
Seal all cracks and openings, install snap traps or bait stations, and keep food storage and waste tightly contained. Perform regular inspections and replace traps as needed to maintain effective rodent control.
How can I get rid of mice and rats in my house? - in detail
Eliminate rodents from a residence by combining sanitation, exclusion, and control methods.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Remove food sources by storing perishables in airtight containers, cleaning crumbs immediately, and disposing of garbage nightly. Eliminate water supplies by fixing leaks and drying damp areas. Declutter storage spaces, as piles of cardboard, fabric, or paper provide shelter.
Seal entry points to prevent access. Inspect foundations, walls, windows, doors, and utility penetrations. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement to fill cracks larger than a quarter‑inch. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Ensure vents are fitted with fine mesh.
Deploy mechanical traps for immediate reduction. Snap traps, when positioned perpendicular to walls and baited with peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit, capture rodents efficiently. Place traps along known runways, behind appliances, and near droppings. Check traps daily, dispose of carcasses, and reset as needed.
Consider bait stations for larger infestations. Use tamper‑resistant containers filled with anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant poison, following label instructions and local regulations. Position stations away from children, pets, and non‑target wildlife, preferably in concealed locations such as behind cabinets or under sinks.
Maintain ongoing monitoring. Place non‑lethal snap traps or monitoring stations in each room to detect new activity. Record capture dates and locations to identify hotspots and adjust exclusion measures accordingly.
If infestation persists despite these steps, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. Experts can conduct comprehensive inspections, apply rodenticides safely, and provide long‑term management plans.
Regularly repeat sanitation and inspection routines to deter re‑infestation. Consistent attention to food security, structural sealing, and targeted trapping creates an environment where mice and rats cannot thrive.