How can mice be destroyed in a house? - briefly
Employ snap traps, electronic devices, or bait stations while sealing cracks, gaps, and openings to prevent entry. For severe infestations, contact a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted extermination.
How can mice be destroyed in a house? - in detail
Mice infestations require a systematic approach that combines exclusion, sanitation, and direct control methods.
First, eliminate entry points. Inspect the building envelope for gaps larger than ¼ inch around foundations, utility penetrations, doors, and windows. Seal cracks with steel wool, caulk, or cement‑based mortar; install door sweeps and weatherstripping.
Second, reduce attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Remove clutter that offers nesting sites, especially in basements, attics, and storage closets.
Third, deploy trapping devices. Snap traps positioned along walls, behind appliances, and near known activity zones provide immediate kills. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit, and place traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end facing the baseboard. Replace captured traps daily to maintain effectiveness.
Fourth, consider bait stations. Enclosed anticoagulant or metaldehyde baits placed in tamper‑resistant stations can reduce populations over several weeks. Position stations out of reach of children and pets, following label instructions for dosage and placement density (typically one station per 100 sq ft).
Fifth, apply electronic or ultrasonic repellents only as supplementary measures; evidence for long‑term efficacy is limited.
Sixth, if the infestation persists despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform a thorough inspection, apply rodenticides under strict regulations, and provide ongoing monitoring.
Finally, maintain a regular inspection schedule. Check for fresh droppings, gnaw marks, and new entry points monthly; repeat sealing and sanitation steps as needed to prevent re‑infestation.