What should I do if mice have settled in the house? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, place snap traps or bait stations, and keep food storage airtight and surfaces clean to remove attractants. If the problem continues, hire a licensed pest‑control professional for comprehensive eradication.
What should I do if mice have settled in the house? - in detail
If rodents have taken up residence, begin with a thorough inspection. Walk through every room, attic, basement, and crawl space; look for droppings, gnaw marks, shredded material, and nesting sites. Identify entry points by checking around pipes, vents, foundation cracks, and gaps under doors. Mark each opening for later sealing.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store all dry goods in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy‑duty plastic. Clean countertops, floors, and cabinets immediately after meals; sweep up crumbs and dispose of garbage in sealed bins. Remove pet food after each feeding and keep dishes out of reach.
Implement a trapping strategy. Choose between snap traps, electronic traps, or live‑catch traps based on personal preference and local regulations. Place traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger side facing the wall, at locations where activity has been observed. Use bait such as peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents, and reset with fresh bait.
Seal all identified entry points after trapping is successful. Use steel wool combined with caulk for small gaps, and install heavy‑duty hardware cloth or metal flashing for larger openings. Ensure door sweeps are fitted tightly and weatherstripping is intact.
Maintain a hostile environment to prevent re‑infestation. Keep the exterior clear of debris, vegetation, and stacked firewood that can serve as shelter. Trim tree branches away from the building to eliminate bridge routes. Install metal flashings over vents and chimney openings. Conduct periodic inspections to catch any new activity early.
If the infestation persists despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform comprehensive assessments, apply rodenticides safely where permitted, and provide long‑term monitoring plans.
Finally, document all actions taken, including dates of inspection, traps set, and repairs made. This record assists in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and supports any future professional consultations.