What should I do if mice are getting into the house? - briefly
Identify and seal all gaps, cracks, and openings that allow rodents access, and store food in airtight containers. Deploy snap traps, live‑catch traps, or licensed bait stations, and inspect them regularly to confirm removal.
What should I do if mice are getting into the house? - in detail
Mice presence is confirmed by droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or audible scurrying. Examine kitchens, pantries, attics, and basements for these indicators and note the locations where activity is greatest.
Close all potential entryways. Inspect exterior walls, foundation cracks, utility penetrations, and vents. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk to fill gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping.
Eliminate food sources. Store grains, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers. Clean crumbs and spills immediately, and keep garbage bins sealed. Remove clutter that could serve as shelter.
Deploy trapping devices. Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall, capture rodents efficiently. Live‑catch traps allow relocation, but require prompt release far from the residence. Place traps along established runways, near droppings, and behind appliances.
Apply bait stations only when necessary. Use anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides encased in tamper‑proof units to prevent accidental exposure. Follow label instructions regarding placement, quantity, and disposal of dead rodents.
Maintain a monitoring routine. Check traps daily, record captures, and re‑set devices as needed. Re‑inspect sealed openings periodically to ensure they remain intact.
If activity persists after comprehensive exclusion, sanitation, and trapping, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can conduct a detailed inspection, apply advanced control measures, and provide a long‑term management plan.