How can you catch all the mice in a house? - briefly
Seal every opening that rodents could use, then place a sufficient number of snap, electronic, or humane traps baited with peanut butter or grain throughout the house, checking and resetting them daily until no activity is detected.
How can you catch all the mice in a house? - in detail
Effective mouse eradication in a residence requires a systematic approach that combines exclusion, attraction, capture, and verification.
First, identify and seal all potential entry points. Inspect walls, floors, ceilings, and utility penetrations for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk to close openings; for larger cracks, apply cement or metal flashing. Reducing ingress eliminates future infestations and concentrates existing rodents.
Second, select appropriate capture devices. Options include snap traps, electronic traps, and live‑capture cages. Snap traps provide rapid mortality, while electronic units deliver a high‑voltage shock. Live cages allow relocation, but require immediate release to prevent stress. Position traps along established runways: behind appliances, near baseboards, and adjacent to walls. Place bait—peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractant—directly on the trigger mechanism to maximize response.
Third, implement a baiting schedule. Deploy fresh bait daily for the first 72 hours, then reduce to every other day to maintain interest without habituation. Rotate bait types if capture rates decline, as mice may develop preferences.
Fourth, maintain environmental conditions that deter survival. Remove food sources by storing pantry items in sealed containers, cleaning crumbs, and fixing leaks that provide water. Regularly vacuum corners and behind furniture to eliminate droppings and scent trails that encourage activity.
Fifth, monitor and document results. Record trap locations, capture dates, and numbers of rodents removed. After a period of no captures (typically 7–10 days), conduct a final inspection of all trap sites and entry points. If no activity is observed, consider the infestation resolved.
Finally, schedule periodic preventive checks. Re‑seal any new gaps that appear due to settlement or renovation, and replace aging traps annually. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑infestation and ensures long‑term control.