How can I get rid of rodents and mice? - briefly
Seal entry points, remove food sources, and place traps or baits. For heavy infestations, hire a licensed pest‑control professional.
How can I get rid of rodents and mice? - in detail
Rodent infestations demand a systematic approach that combines exclusion, sanitation, and population control. Begin with a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the building. Identify entry points such as gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and foundation cracks; measure each opening and record its location. Seal all openings larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or cement, because rodents can compress their bodies to pass through very small spaces.
Next, eliminate food and water sources. Store grain, cereal, and pet food in airtight containers. Remove spilled crumbs, fix leaky faucets, and clean pet water dishes daily. Maintain a clean waste area by using sealed trash cans and removing garbage frequently.
Implement trapping and baiting as the primary control methods. Choose from snap traps, electronic traps, or live‑catch traps, placing them perpendicular to walls where rodent runways are evident. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractants. For bait stations, employ anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides according to label instructions, ensuring they are inaccessible to children and non‑target animals. Rotate trap locations every few days to cover new activity zones.
If the infestation persists or involves large populations, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. Professionals can perform detailed rodent surveys, apply rodenticides safely, and install permanent exclusion devices. They also provide follow‑up monitoring to confirm eradication.
Prevent future incursions by maintaining the exclusion measures, inspecting structural integrity annually, and keeping the environment free of attractants. Document all actions, monitor for fresh droppings or gnaw marks, and respond immediately to any signs of re‑infestation.