Mice have appeared in the apartment; what should I do and where can I get help? - briefly
Seal entry points, store food in airtight containers, and deploy snap or live traps. For professional assistance, contact a licensed pest‑control company or your local housing authority.
Mice have appeared in the apartment; what should I do and where can I get help? - in detail
Rodent activity inside a dwelling requires immediate action to protect health, property, and comfort. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate entry points, nesting sites, and signs of activity such as droppings, gnaw marks, and shredded material. Seal all openings larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or caulking; common gaps appear around pipes, vents, baseboards, and door frames.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and keep trash in sealed bins. Remove clutter that could serve as shelter, especially cardboard boxes and piles of clothing.
Implement control measures:
- Snap traps or electronic traps placed along walls, behind appliances, and in corners where droppings are found. Use bait such as peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
- Live‑catch traps if relocation is preferred; release captured animals at least 5 kilometers from the residence to prevent re‑entry.
- Glue boards may be used for monitoring but are less humane and can cause suffering; they are generally discouraged for primary control.
- Bait stations containing anticoagulant rodenticides are effective for severe infestations, but they must be placed out of reach of children and pets and applied by a licensed professional.
If the problem persists after these steps, contact a certified pest‑management service. Professionals can assess structural vulnerabilities, apply integrated pest‑management strategies, and ensure compliance with safety standards. In rental housing, notify the landlord or property manager in writing; most lease agreements obligate the owner to address rodent infestations promptly. Should the landlord fail to act, consult local housing authority or health department, which can issue remediation orders and, in some jurisdictions, provide financial assistance for pest control.
Maintain ongoing vigilance by repeating the inspection cycle monthly, keeping food storage secure, and repairing any new gaps that appear. Consistent preventive practices combined with targeted trapping and professional intervention will eradicate the infestation and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.