How did you get rid of mice in an apartment? - briefly
Seal all gaps, install snap traps or bait stations, and eliminate food and water sources; keep the apartment clean and store food in sealed containers. Perform regular inspections and replace traps or bait as necessary.
How did you get rid of mice in an apartment? - in detail
Eliminating rodents from a residential unit requires a systematic approach that combines exclusion, sanitation, and targeted control measures.
First, identify and seal all potential entry points. Inspect walls, baseboards, windows, and utility openings for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam to fill cracks, and install door sweeps on exterior doors. Repair damaged screens and ensure vents are fitted with fine mesh.
Second, reduce food and water sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, promptly clean crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water in sinks, bathtubs, and under appliances.
Third, deploy trapping devices. Choose snap traps or electronic traps for immediate kill, placing them perpendicular to walls where rodents travel, with the trigger end facing the wall. Bait with high‑protein items such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or small pieces of cooked meat. Set at least three traps per suspected pathway and check daily, disposing of captured rodents according to local regulations.
Fourth, consider bait stations if infestation is extensive. Use tamper‑proof stations containing anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides, positioned out of reach of children and pets. Follow label instructions for placement density—typically one station per 100 sq ft of infested area.
Fifth, maintain ongoing monitoring. Replace traps or bait as needed for a minimum of two weeks after the last sighting. Conduct periodic inspections of sealed entry points and repeat sealing if new gaps appear.
Finally, document actions and outcomes. Record dates of inspection, locations of traps, and any sightings. This log supports timely adjustments and provides evidence for professional pest‑control services if a relapse occurs.
By implementing exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and, when necessary, rodenticide stations, a persistent mouse problem can be resolved and prevented from returning.