What should you do about field mice in a house? - briefly
Seal all gaps and openings, eliminate food sources, and use snap traps or humane catch‑and‑release devices. If the problem continues, enlist a licensed pest‑control service for professional removal.
What should you do about field mice in a house? - in detail
Field mice entering a residence require immediate, systematic action to prevent damage and health risks. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate all possible entry points. Examine foundations, walls, roof eaves, utility penetrations, and gaps around doors and windows. Use a flashlight and a mirror to spot small openings; even cracks as narrow as a quarter‑inch can admit rodents.
Seal identified openings with appropriate materials: steel wool combined with caulk for narrow cracks, hardware cloth or metal flashing for larger gaps, and expanding foam for irregular voids. Ensure that doors and windows close tightly; install door sweeps if necessary.
Implement a trapping program once the structure is secured. Preferred devices include:
- Snap traps positioned along walls, behind appliances, and near known activity zones.
- Live‑catch traps for humane removal, placed in the same locations.
- Multi‑catch traps for high‑traffic areas.
Bait traps with high‑protein attractants such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or dried meat. Replace bait regularly to maintain potency. Set traps in the evening and check them each morning; dispose of captured mice promptly, wearing gloves and using sealed containers.
Reduce attractants within the home. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs from countertops and floors, and empty garbage bins daily. Eliminate clutter that can provide nesting material, especially in basements, attics, and storage closets.
Maintain a monitoring routine. After initial trap placement, continue to inspect for new signs—droppings, gnaw marks, or fresh nests. Re‑seal any emergent gaps and reset traps as needed.
If infestations persist despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. They can apply rodenticides safely, conduct advanced exclusion work, and provide a long‑term management plan.
Consistent application of exclusion, trapping, sanitation, and monitoring will effectively eradicate field mice from a dwelling and prevent future incursions.