What happened to the mouse in the house? - briefly
The mouse was caught in a humane trap by the homeowner and then released outside.
What happened to the mouse in the house? - in detail
The mouse entered the residence through a gap beneath the kitchen sink, attracted by crumbs left on the countertop. Inside, it explored the pantry, gnawed through a cereal bag, and left droppings near the stored grains.
A homeowner noticed the damage after discovering shredded packaging and small piles of feces. The first response involved sealing the entry point with steel wool and expanding foam to prevent further intrusion.
Next, a series of traps were positioned along the mouse’s likely pathways:
- Snap traps placed behind the refrigerator and under the cabinets.
- Live‑catch traps set near the pantry doorway.
- A bait station containing rodenticide positioned in the attic, away from pets.
After 24 hours, two snap traps recorded captures; one mouse was found dead, the other showed signs of injury. The live‑catch trap held a single animal, which was released outdoors at a safe distance from the house. The rodenticide station showed no activity, indicating the population was limited to the few individuals captured.
Finally, the homeowner conducted a thorough cleaning, disinfecting surfaces with a bleach solution, disposing of contaminated food, and vacuuming debris. The house remained mouse‑free for several weeks, confirming the effectiveness of the combined sealing, trapping, and sanitation measures.