What should be done if there are mice in the house? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, deploy traps or bait stations, and keep the home free of accessible food and water sources. If the problem continues, contact a licensed pest‑control professional.
What should be done if there are mice in the house? - in detail
Mice leave droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material; spotting any of these indicators confirms their presence.
Inspect the building envelope for openings larger than a quarter‑inch. Seal cracks, gaps around pipes, vents, and doors with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing; rodents can chew through softer materials.
Deploy a combination of snap traps, electronic devices, and live‑catch cages along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed areas. Position traps perpendicular to travel routes, with the trigger side facing the wall. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial lure, and check traps daily.
If poison is considered, use tamper‑resistant bait stations placed out of reach of children and pets. Follow label directions for dosage and placement; replace stations regularly to maintain efficacy.
Eliminate food sources by storing pantry items in airtight containers, cleaning crumbs promptly, and securing garbage in sealed bins. Reduce clutter that offers shelter; keep basements, attics, and storage rooms orderly.
Conduct weekly inspections of trap locations and entry points for new activity. After a month of no captures, re‑seal any fresh gaps and continue sanitation practices to prevent re‑infestation.