How to get rid of a mouse infestation? - briefly
Identify and block all entry points, eliminate food and water sources, and deploy snap traps or licensed bait stations. Monitor activity and repeat measures until no signs of rodents remain.
How to get rid of a mouse infestation? - in detail
A thorough approach begins with a complete inspection. Identify all signs of activity—droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and greasy streaks—by checking kitchens, pantries, cabinets, behind appliances, and along walls. Trace the routes rodents use to enter the building; typical entry points include gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and foundation cracks.
Seal every opening larger than a quarter‑inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement to block holes, and install weather‑stripping on doors and windows. Repair damaged screens and ensure that exterior lighting does not attract insects that serve as food for mice.
Choose control methods based on the severity of the problem.
- Mechanical traps: Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall, capture rodents efficiently. Place them at least 12 inches apart, targeting known pathways.
- Live‑catch traps: Provide a secure enclosure, check daily, and release captured animals at least two miles from the property, complying with local regulations.
- Bait stations: Deploy tamper‑resistant stations containing anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant poison. Follow label instructions, keep stations out of reach of children and pets, and monitor them regularly.
Maintain a clean environment to reduce attractants. Store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins. Remove clutter that offers shelter, such as cardboard boxes, piles of clothing, and overgrown vegetation near the building’s foundation.
Implement a monitoring routine. Check traps and bait stations daily for several weeks, recording captures and activity. Replace or reposition devices as needed until no new evidence appears for at least a month.
If infestations persist despite these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. Experts can conduct a detailed assessment, apply specialized baiting programs, and provide long‑term exclusion solutions.