How to treat the interior of a house against mice? - briefly
Seal cracks, gaps, and utility openings; place snap or electronic traps along walls and keep food in rodent‑proof containers. Regularly inspect and maintain these barriers to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat the interior of a house against mice? - in detail
Effective mouse control inside a residence begins with a thorough inspection. Identify gnaw marks, droppings, and pathways near walls, cabinets, and appliances. Record each location to prioritize sealing and trapping actions.
Seal all potential entry points. Use steel wool or copper mesh combined with expanding foam to fill gaps around pipes, vents, and utility lines. Install weather‑stripping on doors and windows; reinforce baseboards with metal flashing where necessary. Replace damaged screens and repair cracked foundation cracks.
Deploy a combination of mechanical and chemical control methods.
- Snap traps: position near walls, behind appliances, and in dark corners. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check daily and replace promptly.
- Live‑catch traps: set in high‑traffic areas, release captured rodents at least two miles from the property.
- Glue boards: place in concealed locations where snap traps are impractical; monitor frequently to avoid prolonged suffering.
- Rodenticide stations: choose tamper‑resistant bait blocks, locate out of reach of children and pets, and follow label instructions.
Maintain a clean environment to reduce attractants. Store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and empty trash bins nightly. Keep pantry shelves free of clutter; vacuum regularly to remove droppings and urine residues that can mask scent trails.
Implement an ongoing monitoring program. Inspect traps and bait stations weekly, re‑seal any new gaps, and rotate trap locations to prevent habituation. Document findings in a log to track progress and identify recurring problem areas.
If infestation persists despite these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. They can conduct infrared inspections, apply integrated pest‑management strategies, and ensure compliance with local regulations regarding rodenticide use.