What should I do if a mouse is discovered in an apartment? - briefly
Seal all possible entryways, place appropriate traps or bait, and contact a professional pest‑control service if the problem persists. Eliminate food sources and keep the area clean to discourage further activity.
What should I do if a mouse is discovered in an apartment? - in detail
Discovering a rodent in your residence requires immediate, methodical action to prevent damage, disease, and further infestation.
First, confirm the presence. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or live sightings. Document the locations to identify activity zones.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store all perishables in sealed containers, clean crumbs from countertops, sweep floors, and empty pet feeders after each use. Dispose of garbage in tightly closed bags and remove it from the kitchen area.
Then, block entry points. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Seal cracks with steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam, focusing on areas around pipes, vents, and electrical wiring. Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
After securing the environment, set traps. Choose from snap traps, electronic devices, or live‑catch traps, positioning them perpendicular to walls where droppings were found, with the trigger side facing the wall. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents in sealed bags, and replace bait as needed.
If the problem persists beyond a few days, or if evidence indicates a large population, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. Request an inspection, a treatment plan, and a guarantee of follow‑up visits.
Finally, maintain vigilance. Perform monthly inspections of potential entry points, keep food storage secure, and rotate trap placement to cover new activity zones. Consistent preventive measures reduce the likelihood of recurrence.