How can I get rid of mice on the second floor? - briefly
Seal all cracks, gaps, and vents on the second level, then place snap traps or humane catch‑and‑release devices near known activity and keep food in sealed containers. Monitor traps regularly and replace bait as needed until no sightings occur.
How can I get rid of mice on the second floor? - in detail
Eliminate a rodent problem on an upper‑level apartment by combining exclusion, sanitation, and control measures.
First, identify and seal entry points. Inspect walls, baseboards, floor joists, and utility openings for gaps larger than a quarter inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam to fill cracks; apply sheet metal or hardware cloth over larger openings such as vent ducts and pipe sleeves. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and ensure windows close tightly.
Second, reduce food and shelter sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, promptly clean crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Remove clutter, especially cardboard boxes and fabric piles, which provide nesting material. Keep garbage in sealed bins and empty them regularly.
Third, deploy trapping or baiting devices. Snap traps positioned along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected runways achieve rapid removal. Bait each trap with a small amount of peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. For larger infestations, consider multi‑catch live traps, monitoring them daily and releasing captured mice far from the building. If using anticoagulant baits, place them in tamper‑resistant stations out of reach of children and pets, following label instructions.
Fourth, monitor progress. Check traps and entry seals weekly, recording activity signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, or urine stains. Continue exclusion work until no new evidence appears for at least two weeks.
Finally, maintain preventive practices. Conduct periodic inspections of the building envelope, keep food storage sealed, and keep the living area tidy. Regularly replace worn sealing materials and rotate trap locations if any new activity emerges. Consistent application of these steps will keep the second‑floor environment free of mice.