How to exterminate mice in the house? - briefly
Seal all entry points with steel wool or caulk, then place snap traps or bait stations along walls where mice travel, and keep food storage sealed and surfaces clean. Dispose of captured rodents promptly and monitor traps regularly until activity stops.
How to exterminate mice in the house? - in detail
Eliminating a mouse infestation requires a systematic approach that combines identification, exclusion, and removal methods.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material along walls, behind appliances, and in stored food areas. Trace the paths to locate entry points such as gaps around pipes, vents, and foundation cracks.
Seal all openings. Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill small holes, and apply caulk or expanding foam for larger gaps. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens to prevent re‑entry.
Choose removal tools based on the severity of the problem. Common options include:
- Snap traps: positioned perpendicular to walls, baited with peanut butter or chocolate, checked daily.
- Live‑catch traps: placed along active runways, released outdoors at least one mile from the residence.
- Electronic traps: deliver a quick kill, require batteries and occasional cleaning.
- Poison baits: placed in tamper‑resistant stations, monitored to avoid accidental exposure to children or pets.
Deploy traps along established runways, near walls, and close to suspected nesting sites. Set multiple devices to increase capture rates. Replace bait regularly and relocate unsuccessful traps to more active areas.
Maintain a clean environment to reduce attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs promptly, and manage waste with sealed bins. Remove clutter that provides shelter, especially in basements, attics, and garages.
If monitoring shows persistent activity after several weeks, consider professional pest‑control services. Experts can apply rodenticides, conduct structural assessments, and provide long‑term exclusion solutions.
Regularly re‑inspect the property after treatment. Verify that no new signs appear and that all entry points remain sealed. Consistent sanitation and preventive maintenance will keep the residence free of rodents.