What is the best method to use against mice in a private house? - briefly
Use snap traps baited with peanut butter positioned along walls, and simultaneously seal all potential entry gaps and keep the interior free of food debris. This integrated approach provides rapid, humane control while preventing reinfestation.
What is the best method to use against mice in a private house? - in detail
Mice infestations in residential settings require a systematic approach that combines exclusion, monitoring, and control.
First, seal all entry points. Inspect the building envelope for gaps larger than ¼ inch around foundations, utility penetrations, doors, and windows. Apply steel wool or copper mesh followed by caulk, expanding foam, or cement mortar to create a durable barrier.
Second, reduce attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean spills promptly, and manage waste in sealed bins. Eliminate clutter in basements, attics, and garages where rodents can nest.
Third, implement a monitoring network. Place snap traps or electronic devices along established runways—typically behind appliances, along walls, and near suspected entry points. Use a minimum of two traps per meter of wall length, spaced 30–45 cm apart. Check traps daily; dispose of captured mice according to local regulations.
Fourth, select an appropriate lethal device.
- Snap traps: Immediate kill, low cost, reusable. Position with bait (peanut butter, chocolate) on the trigger lever.
- Electronic traps: Quick electrocution, visible kill indicator, easy cleaning. Requires power source.
- Live‑catch traps: Capture without killing; release must occur at least 100 km from the residence to prevent re‑entry.
Fifth, consider non‑lethal deterrents only as supplementary measures. Ultrasonic emitters lack consistent evidence of efficacy and should not replace physical barriers and trapping.
Finally, maintain the exclusion system. Re‑inspect quarterly, especially after renovations or seasonal changes, to address new gaps. Document trap locations and results to identify persistent activity zones and adjust placement accordingly.
By integrating structural sealing, sanitation, targeted trapping, and ongoing evaluation, homeowners achieve the most reliable reduction of mouse populations within a private dwelling.