What should you do if mice have infested a wall in the house? - briefly
Inspect the wall to locate entry points, seal all openings, install baited traps or snap traps, and contact a licensed pest‑control service if the infestation persists.
What should you do if mice have infested a wall in the house? - in detail
Mice inside a wall create noise, insulation loss, and health risks. Immediate actions focus on confirming activity, eliminating access, and removing the rodents.
First, locate entry points. Examine exterior siding, foundation cracks, utility penetrations, and gaps around pipes. Use a flashlight and a mirror to view interior wall cavities through any accessible openings. Seal discovered openings with steel wool, copper mesh, and expanding foam; these materials resist chewing.
Second, set up control devices. Deploy snap traps or electronic traps at the identified pathways, positioning them perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end facing the entry. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit. For larger infestations, place bait stations containing anticoagulant rodenticide in sealed containers, ensuring they are out of reach of children and pets. Follow label instructions precisely.
Third, improve sanitation. Remove food sources by storing pantry items in airtight containers, cleaning crumbs, and fixing leaks that provide water. Reduce clutter in adjacent rooms to limit hiding places.
Fourth, monitor progress. Check traps daily for captures and replace bait as needed. After a week of no activity, conduct a thorough visual inspection to verify the absence of new signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, or fresh nests.
Fifth, consider professional assistance. If structural damage is evident, if traps and baits fail to reduce the population, or if the infestation spans multiple walls, engage a licensed pest‑control operator. Professionals can perform wall cavity fumigation, install tamper‑proof bait stations, and provide a detailed remediation plan.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Install door sweeps, maintain vegetation away from the foundation, and schedule periodic inspections to detect early signs of rodent activity. Consistent upkeep reduces the likelihood of future wall infestations.