What should I do if field mice have infested the house? - briefly
Inspect and seal all cracks, gaps, and openings to prevent further entry. Place snap traps or live‑catch devices along walls and near suspected activity, and consider professional extermination if the infestation persists.
What should I do if field mice have infested the house? - in detail
Field mice entering a residence require immediate, systematic action to protect health, property, and structural integrity. The response consists of assessment, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and monitoring.
First, identify all entry points. Inspect the building envelope, paying particular attention to gaps around utility penetrations, foundation cracks, vents, doors, and windows. Seal openings with steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam, then cover with cement, metal flashing, or weather‑resistant caulking. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Second, eliminate food sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Remove bird feeders, pet food, and compost piles from the interior vicinity.
Third, set traps strategically. Choose a combination of snap traps, live‑capture traps, and electronic devices. Position them along walls, behind appliances, and near identified pathways. Bait with high‑fat items such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or bits of cheese. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations, and reset traps until activity ceases.
Fourth, apply rodenticides only when necessary and in compliance with safety guidelines. Use tamper‑proof bait stations placed out of reach of children and non‑target wildlife. Record placement locations for future inspection.
Fifth, maintain a rigorous sanitation regime. Vacuum and mop floors regularly, wash linens at high temperatures, and disinfect surfaces with a solution containing at least 70 % alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture. Replace worn insulation and repair water‑damage to deter further infestation.
Finally, conduct ongoing monitoring. Install motion‑activated sensors or passive infrared devices to detect nocturnal activity. Review trap logs weekly and repeat exclusion measures if new entry points appear.
By following these steps—inspection and sealing, food control, targeted trapping, controlled use of baits, thorough cleaning, and continuous monitoring—field mice can be eradicated from a dwelling and prevented from returning.