How should you treat an apartment after mice? - briefly
First, eliminate food, water, and shelter, seal all entry points, and disinfect surfaces with a rodent‑approved sanitizer. Then deploy traps or engage professional pest control to verify complete removal.
How should you treat an apartment after mice? - in detail
After discovering a rodent intrusion, begin with a thorough inspection. Identify entry points, nesting sites, droppings, gnaw marks, and damage to wiring or insulation. Document each location to guide remediation.
Next, eliminate the animals. Use traps or professional exterminators to capture all remaining mice. Seal all openings larger than a quarter inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or cement. Apply expanding foam only where gaps are small and will not be re‑entered.
Proceed to sanitation. Wear disposable gloves and a mask rated N95 or higher. Collect droppings, urine stains, and nesting material with a damp paper towel; discard in sealed bags. Disinfect surfaces with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, allowing a five‑minute contact time before rinsing. For porous items such as upholstery or carpet, consider steam cleaning or disposal if contamination is extensive.
Address structural damage. Replace gnawed insulation, repair compromised wiring, and inspect plumbing for leaks that may attract rodents. Remove any chewed food packaging and discard contaminated pantry items.
Implement preventive measures. Install door sweeps, repair window screens, and maintain a clear perimeter by trimming vegetation away from the building. Store food in sealed containers, eliminate standing water, and schedule regular inspections of potential entry points.
Finally, monitor the environment. Set up passive traps in concealed locations for at least two weeks to detect any resurgence. Keep records of findings, actions taken, and dates to ensure ongoing control.