Mice are attacking the house — what should you do? - briefly
Identify and block all openings, such as gaps around pipes and vents, using steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing. Deploy snap traps or bait stations in concealed areas, keep food storage sealed, and consider professional extermination if infestation persists.
Mice are attacking the house — what should you do? - in detail
Rodents entering a residence create health risks, structural damage, and food contamination. Immediate assessment should focus on identifying activity signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material. Follow a systematic approach to eliminate the problem and prevent recurrence.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of all rooms, attic, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Mark each entry point, even gaps as small as a quarter inch.
- Seal openings using steel wool, copper mesh, or caulking. Replace damaged weatherstripping and repair cracks in foundation or siding.
- Remove food sources: store pantry items in airtight containers, clean spills promptly, and keep garbage bins sealed.
- Deploy control devices:
- Snap traps placed along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed areas.
- Live‑catch traps if relocation is preferred, ensuring immediate release far from the property.
- Bait stations with anticoagulant pellets, positioned out of reach of children and pets, following label instructions.
- Maintain a clean environment: sweep floors daily, vacuum corners, and wash dishes without delay. Declutter storage spaces to reduce hiding places.
- Monitor progress for at least two weeks, resetting or relocating traps as needed. Record capture numbers to gauge effectiveness.
- If activity persists after these measures, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. They can apply rodenticides, conduct structural modifications, and provide a long‑term monitoring plan.
Prevention relies on regular upkeep: inspect the building envelope quarterly, keep vegetation trimmed away from the foundation, and avoid leaving pet food exposed overnight. Consistent application of these steps eliminates current infestations and blocks future incursions.