Mice in an apartment – how can you get rid of them using folk methods? - briefly
Use strong-smelling repellents (peppermint oil, cloves, or crushed garlic), seal cracks with steel wool and caulk, and place snap or live traps baited with peanut butter while keeping food stored in airtight containers to eliminate and prevent future infestations.
Mice in an apartment – how can you get rid of them using folk methods? - in detail
Mice infestations in a flat can be tackled without professional pest‑control by applying time‑tested household techniques. The following measures address entry prevention, habitat disruption, and direct elimination.
Secure potential entry points. Examine walls, windows, doors, and utility openings for gaps larger than 6 mm. Fill cracks with steel wool, then seal with expanding foam or cement. Install tight-fitting door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Eliminate food sources. Store dry goods in sealed containers, keep countertops clear, and promptly clean crumbs and spills. Empty garbage cans daily and use lids that close securely.
Create an unfriendly environment. Mice avoid strong odors; place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil, cloves, or eucalyptus in corners, behind appliances, and near suspected pathways. Replace saturated balls every few days to maintain potency.
Set up homemade traps. Use a shallow dish filled with peanut butter as bait, covered with a lightweight container that slides off when the mouse steps on the bait. Alternatively, construct a snap trap from a wooden block, a steel spring, and a piece of cheese or hazelnut spread. Position traps along walls, behind furniture, and near known activity sites. Check traps regularly and dispose of captured rodents promptly, wearing gloves and sealing them in a plastic bag.
Deploy natural repellents. Sprinkle ground cayenne pepper, dried mint leaves, or powdered garlic around baseboards and entryways. These substances irritate the rodents’ sensory organs, reducing their willingness to linger.
Maintain cleanliness. Vacuum floors and upholstery weekly to remove droppings, hair, and nesting material. Wash bedding and curtains at high temperatures to eradicate any residual scent trails.
Monitor progress. Keep a log of trap captures, observed droppings, and any new gnaw marks. Adjust the placement of deterrents and traps based on emerging patterns until activity ceases.
By systematically denying access, removing sustenance, and employing non‑chemical deterrents and traps, a resident can effectively eradicate mice from a dwelling using only readily available household items.