How can you evict rats and mice? - briefly
Seal all openings, remove food and water sources, and deploy traps or bait stations; maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation. For severe cases, hire a licensed pest‑control service.
How can you evict rats and mice? - in detail
Effective rodent control requires a systematic approach that addresses entry, attraction, and population. Begin with a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the building. Identify cracks, gaps around utility penetrations, vents, doors, and windows. Seal openings with steel wool, caulk, or cement, because rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter inch.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store grain, pet food, and waste in sealed containers. Keep countertops, floors, and shelves free of crumbs. Remove standing water and fix leaks, as moisture draws mice and rats.
Implement trapping and baiting as the primary removal methods. Choose from snap traps, electronic traps, or multi‑catch live traps, positioning them along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected pathways. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractants. For bait stations, select anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant poison approved for indoor use, place them in tamper‑resistant boxes, and locate them out of reach of children and pets.
Maintain a regular monitoring schedule. Check traps daily, record captures, and replace bait as needed. After the initial reduction, continue surveillance for at least four weeks to ensure no new activity.
Consider professional extermination if infestation persists or if structural damage is extensive. Certified pest managers can apply rodenticides, fumigation, or exclusion techniques that comply with local regulations.
Finally, establish a preventive maintenance program. Conduct quarterly inspections, repair any new openings promptly, and keep the environment unattractive to rodents. Consistent application of these measures will sustain a rodent‑free premise.