What should be done about mice? - briefly
Seal entry points, remove food sources, and deploy traps or bait stations as part of an integrated pest‑management plan; regularly monitor activity and adjust measures to maintain control.
What should be done about mice? - in detail
Effective management of rodent intrusions requires an integrated approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and control measures.
Initial steps focus on exclusion. Seal gaps larger than ¼ inch in foundations, walls, and utility penetrations. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Maintain a clean environment by storing food in airtight containers, promptly cleaning crumbs, and disposing of waste in sealed receptacles.
Monitoring involves strategic placement of detection devices. Use passive snap traps or electronic sensors along walls, behind appliances, and near known activity zones. Check devices daily and record capture data to identify hotspots and assess population trends.
Control actions depend on infestation severity. For low‑level presence, employ mechanical traps—snap, live‑capture, or electric models—positioned perpendicular to travel paths. Bait stations containing anticoagulant rodenticides may be necessary for moderate to high infestations; select products approved by regulatory agencies, place them in tamper‑resistant stations, and label according to safety guidelines.
Professional intervention becomes essential when:
- Infestation exceeds several dozen individuals.
- Traps and baits fail to reduce activity after two weeks.
- Structural damage or health risks are evident.
Integrated pest‑management (IPM) programs combine the above tactics with periodic inspections, staff training, and documentation of actions taken. Continuous evaluation ensures that measures remain effective and that re‑infestation risks are minimized.