What should I do if mice have taken over the house? - briefly
Seal entry points, install traps or bait stations, and enlist a professional pest‑control service for comprehensive eradication. Maintain strict cleanliness, store food in airtight containers, and regularly monitor activity to prevent reinfestation.
What should I do if mice have taken over the house? - in detail
A mouse infestation in a residence requires immediate, systematic action to protect health, property, and structural integrity.
Identify entry points by inspecting walls, foundations, vents, and utility openings. Seal gaps larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, copper mesh, or caulk; for larger openings, use hardware cloth or concrete patches.
Reduce attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and relocate garbage to sealed bins. Eliminate standing water sources by fixing leaks and drying damp areas.
Deploy control measures.
- Snap traps: place along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed routes; position baited side toward the wall.
- Live traps: set in high‑traffic zones, release captured rodents at least two miles from the property to prevent re‑entry.
- Electronic traps: activate with a power source, delivering rapid, humane kills.
Use bait stations containing anticoagulant or bromethalin rodenticides only where children, pets, and non‑target wildlife cannot access; follow label instructions and local regulations.
Monitor progress daily. Count captured rodents, inspect traps for activity, and reassess sealed entry points. Continue control efforts for at least three weeks after the last sighting to ensure the population is fully eradicated.
If activity persists despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can conduct a comprehensive inspection, apply advanced exclusion techniques, and administer professional‑grade baits safely.
Maintain preventive practices: periodic inspection of the building envelope, regular sanitation, and prompt repair of water leaks. Consistent vigilance prevents recurrence and safeguards the living environment.