The house smells of mice—what should you do? - briefly
Inspect for entry points, seal gaps, and deploy traps or bait stations while cleaning and disinfecting contaminated areas. If activity continues, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional.
The house smells of mice—what should you do? - in detail
A strong rodent odor indicates an infestation that requires immediate action. First, locate the source. Follow the scent to walls, baseboards, cupboards, and attic spaces; look for droppings, gnaw marks, and shredded insulation.
Next, eliminate entry points. Inspect the exterior for gaps larger than ¼ inch around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and foundation cracks. Seal openings with steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Then, set control devices. Use snap traps or multi‑catch traps positioned along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected activity zones. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractants. Replace traps regularly until captures cease.
Remove contaminated material. Collect droppings and urine with disposable gloves; place in sealed bags and discard. Clean surfaces with a detergent solution, then apply a disinfectant containing enzymatic cleaners to break down odor‑causing proteins. Launder fabrics and vacuum carpets thoroughly.
If the problem persists, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can deploy bait stations, ultrasonic devices, or integrated pest‑management plans tailored to the property’s layout.
Finally, maintain a preventive routine. Store food in airtight containers, keep trash bins sealed, and reduce clutter that offers hiding places. Conduct quarterly inspections of exterior seals and interior corners to detect early signs of activity.
By systematically identifying the source, blocking access, trapping, sanitizing, and monitoring, the unpleasant smell will be eliminated and future rodent incursions prevented.