How can I get rid of mice in the garden and house? - briefly
Seal cracks, install door sweeps, store food in airtight containers, and use snap traps or bait stations inside the home. In the garden, eliminate debris, trim low vegetation, lay metal mesh around plant beds, and deploy predator‑friendly traps or bait stations.
How can I get rid of mice in the garden and house? - in detail
Mice infestations in outdoor areas and indoor spaces require a coordinated approach that combines exclusion, habitat modification, and active removal.
First, eliminate food sources. Store garden produce in sealed containers, remove fallen fruit, and keep compost bins tightly covered. Inside the house, place all food in airtight containers, clean crumbs promptly, and empty trash daily.
Second, block entry points. Inspect foundations, walls, and roof eaves for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Seal openings with steel wool, cement, or expanding foam. Install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors and windows.
Third, reduce shelter. Trim vegetation, remove dense ground cover, and keep grass mowed to at least 3 inches. Clear debris, wood piles, and stone stacks from the perimeter. Inside, declutter storage areas, especially basements and attics, to remove nesting sites.
Fourth, employ trapping. Use snap traps or electronic traps positioned along walls, behind objects, and near suspected activity zones. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or oats. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
Fifth, consider rodenticides only when other measures fail. Choose products labeled for indoor or outdoor use, follow label instructions precisely, and place bait stations where children and pets cannot access them. Monitor bait consumption and replace as needed.
Sixth, encourage natural predators. Install owl or hawk nesting boxes near the garden, and allow predatory birds to perch on fences. In the house, maintain a cat or use ferret cages under supervision to deter rodents.
Seventh, maintain ongoing vigilance. Conduct monthly inspections of the property, repeat sealing of any new gaps, and keep sanitation standards high. Early detection prevents populations from establishing and reduces the need for extensive control measures.