How can I remove mice from the apartment? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, deploy snap traps or bait stations, and keep food storage and waste areas clean to prevent attraction. Dispose of captured rodents promptly and monitor the premises for several weeks to confirm elimination.
How can I remove mice from the apartment? - in detail
Rodent infestation in a residential unit requires a systematic approach that combines prevention, detection, and elimination.
First, eliminate access points. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Seal openings with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh, because rodents can gnaw through softer materials. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Second, remove attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and discard garbage in sealed bins. Eliminate standing water and fix leaks that provide a drinking source.
Third, set up trapping devices. Use snap traps for rapid kill, positioning them perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the wall. Bait with high‑protein items such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or small pieces of meat. Place several traps at suspected pathways, checking them daily and resetting as needed. For households with children or pets, consider enclosed live‑catch traps; release captured rodents at least five miles from the residence, following local regulations.
Fourth, apply bait stations if the infestation is extensive. Choose tamper‑resistant stations containing anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides. Follow label instructions precisely, wear protective gloves, and keep stations out of reach of non‑target species.
Fifth, maintain sanitation after removal. Disinfect areas where droppings were found using a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning, and vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture residual particles.
Finally, monitor the situation. Install motion‑activated cameras or infrared sensors near trap locations to verify activity. Re‑inspect seals and food storage monthly, and repeat trapping if new signs appear.
By sealing entryways, denying food and water, employing appropriate traps or baits, and maintaining rigorous hygiene, a tenant can effectively eradicate mice from a living space.