What should be done about mice and rats in the house? - briefly
Seal all openings, remove food and water sources, and deploy traps or bait stations to eradicate existing rodents. Maintain rigorous sanitation and conduct periodic inspections to prevent future infestations.
What should be done about mice and rats in the house? - in detail
A thorough approach to eliminating rodents from a residence requires inspection, exclusion, population reduction, sanitation, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin with a systematic inspection. Identify signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and grease trails. Trace these clues to potential entry points, including gaps around pipes, vents, windows, doors, and the foundation. Measure each opening; any aperture larger than ¼ inch can admit a mouse, and openings up to ½ inch may admit a rat.
Seal all discovered openings. Use steel wool or copper mesh backed by caulk for small cracks, and install cement‑based sealant or hardware cloth for larger gaps. Repair damaged screens, weather‑stripping, and door sweeps. Ensure exterior vents are fitted with rodent‑proof mesh.
Reduce the existing population with integrated control methods:
- Snap traps: place 2–3 inches from walls where activity is evident; use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit. Check daily and dispose of captured rodents promptly.
- Electronic traps: provide rapid, humane kill; position similarly to snap traps.
- Live‑catch traps: reserve for situations where relocation is required; release captured animals at least 2 miles from the property.
- Bait stations: employ anticoagulant or bromethalin formulations in tamper‑resistant boxes; label clearly and keep away from children and pets. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance.
Sanitation measures diminish food sources that attract rodents. Store dry goods in sealed containers, promptly clean crumbs and spills, and empty trash cans daily with tight‑fitting lids. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaks and drying damp areas, particularly basements and crawl spaces.
If infestation persists despite these actions, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can conduct a detailed assessment, apply rodenticides under strict safety protocols, and install permanent exclusion devices.
Finally, establish a monitoring routine. Inspect traps and bait stations weekly, re‑examine the building envelope quarterly, and maintain rigorous housekeeping standards. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑infestation and safeguards the household’s health and structural integrity.