How can you get rid of mice in an apartment on the fifth floor? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points with steel wool, caulk, or mesh and place snap traps or bait stations in concealed areas near walls and cabinets. Store food in airtight containers, promptly clean crumbs, and remove clutter to eliminate shelter and attractants.
How can you get rid of mice in an apartment on the fifth floor? - in detail
Identify all possible entry points. Examine walls, baseboards, windows, and utility openings for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam to block holes; cement or caulk works for cracks in plaster. Seal vents with hardware cloth that mice cannot chew through.
Set up a trapping system. Choose snap traps or electronic traps for immediate kill; place them perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the rodent’s travel path. Position traps behind appliances, in cupboards, and along known runways. Use a minimum of three traps per suspected area, checking daily and resetting as needed.
Employ bait strategically. Peanut butter, dried fruit, or small pieces of cheese attract mice effectively. Place bait on the trigger mechanism, not on the trap body, to ensure proper activation. Avoid using poisons in a multi‑unit building; they pose a risk to other residents and pets.
Maintain strict sanitation. Store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs from countertops, and empty trash daily. Eliminate standing water sources, as moisture draws rodents. Vacuum regularly to remove droppings and nesting material.
Monitor activity with non‑toxic tracking powder or flour trails. Sprinkle a thin line near trap locations; fresh footprints indicate ongoing movement and help refine trap placement.
Consider professional pest control if infestations persist after two weeks of intensive effort. Licensed technicians can apply rodenticides safely, perform structural sealing, and provide a follow‑up schedule to prevent re‑infestation.
Implement long‑term prevention. Install door sweeps on exterior doors, keep garden vegetation trimmed away from the building, and schedule periodic inspections of the building’s exterior for new gaps. Regularly review and replace worn sealing materials to maintain a barrier against future incursions.