How can one permanently eliminate mice from an apartment using folk methods? - briefly
Apply strong-smelling deterrents such as peppermint oil or crushed garlic near suspected entry points, block gaps with steel wool and caulk, and set up snap traps or humane catch‑and‑release devices to reduce the population. Maintain a clean environment, store food in sealed containers, and regularly inspect and repair any openings to prevent re‑infestation.
How can one permanently eliminate mice from an apartment using folk methods? - in detail
Mice infestations can be stopped for good by applying time‑tested, non‑chemical tactics that rely on exclusion, deterrence, and humane capture.
First, block every possible entry. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for cracks or gaps as small as a pencil line. Fill openings with a mixture of sand and cement, or pack steel wool tightly before sealing with caulk. Use weather‑strip tape on doors and windows to eliminate gaps that rodents exploit.
Second, make the interior unappealing. Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil, cloves, or dried lavender in corners, cupboards, and behind appliances. Replace the cotton every two weeks to maintain potency. Spread crushed dried chilies or cayenne pepper on pantry shelves; the strong scent and irritant properties discourage gnawing. Scatter bay leaves or dried rosemary in drawers where food is stored; their aroma acts as a natural repellent.
Third, set up simple traps that require no commercial bait. Fill a shallow dish with peanut butter, then cover it with a piece of cardboard riddled with small holes. Mice climb in, become trapped, and can be released far from the building. Alternatively, construct a bucket trap: attach a piece of cardboard as a ramp leading to a bucket partially filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. The mouse falls in and cannot climb out. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents promptly.
Fourth, maintain strict sanitation. Store all food in airtight containers. Clean crumbs and spills immediately. Remove clutter that offers hiding places, such as stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes, or unused fabric. Empty trash bins each night and keep lids tightly sealed.
Finally, reinforce the deterrent effect by rotating methods every month. Alternating peppermint oil with eucalyptus, or swapping chili powder for ground coffee, prevents mice from becoming accustomed to a single scent. Consistent application of these traditional measures, combined with diligent exclusion and cleanliness, eliminates the problem permanently without resorting to poison or professional extermination.