How can you evict mice from an apartment? - briefly
Seal all openings such as gaps, cracks, and vent covers, then position snap or live traps along walls and store food in airtight containers to remove attractants.
How can you evict mice from an apartment? - in detail
Begin by identifying every opening that rodents could use. Examine walls, baseboards, windows, doors, and utility openings. Use a flashlight to trace gnaw marks, droppings, and grease lines. Seal gaps larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk; reinforce larger holes with hardware cloth.
Remove food sources that attract the pests. Store dry goods in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaks and drying damp areas such as under sinks and behind appliances.
Select control methods appropriate for the situation:
- Snap traps – place perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
- Electronic traps – deliver a rapid voltage shock; position similarly to snap traps. Batteries last several months.
- Live‑catch traps – use only when relocation is legal and humane; release captured animals at least 2 miles from the residence.
- Bait stations – contain anticoagulant or bromethalin poison sealed to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets. Follow label instructions precisely.
- Ultrasonic repellers – emit high‑frequency sound; effectiveness varies, so combine with other measures.
Maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation. Regularly inspect sealed entry points, replace worn caulk, and keep food storage secure. Monitor trap activity for at least two weeks after the last capture to confirm eradication.
If the problem persists despite thorough sealing and trapping, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform a comprehensive assessment, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a long‑term management plan.