What should I do if mice have gotten under the drywall? - briefly
Inspect the area, seal any openings, and deploy traps or bait to eliminate the rodents; afterwards, replace the damaged drywall once you are certain the infestation is cleared and disinfect the space.
What should I do if mice have gotten under the drywall? - in detail
Signs such as gnaw marks, droppings, or rustling noises indicate that small mammals have accessed the cavity behind the wall panels. Immediate visual inspection through any accessible opening—e.g., attic hatch, vent, or removable trim—confirms their presence and helps locate entry points.
Locate gaps larger than a quarter inch in the building envelope, including gaps around pipes, wiring, vents, and foundation cracks. Use a flashlight and a mirror to examine concealed spaces. Seal every opening with steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam reinforced with metal mesh; avoid pure silicone or latex caulk, which rodents can chew through.
Set mechanical traps or snap traps directly in the cavity, positioning them along walls and near identified pathways. Bait with high‑protein items such as peanut butter or dried meat. Check traps daily, remove captured animals, and reset traps until no further activity is observed for at least three consecutive nights.
After confirming eradication, remove contaminated insulation and debris. Disinfect the area with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, allowing it to dwell for ten minutes before wiping clean. Replace insulation with rodent‑resistant material, such as mineral wool, and reinstall drywall panels.
Implement long‑term deterrence by maintaining a clear perimeter: trim vegetation away from the foundation, store food in sealed containers, and keep garbage bins tightly closed. Schedule periodic inspections of potential entry points, especially after severe weather or construction activity, to ensure the barrier remains intact.