What should you do if mice have infested the walls of a house? - briefly
Inspect and seal all openings, install traps or bait stations, and engage a licensed pest‑control service if the infestation is severe. Afterwards, repair any damage, sanitize affected spaces, and regularly monitor to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do if mice have infested the walls of a house? - in detail
If you discover that rodents are living within the wall cavities, begin with a thorough inspection. Identify all visible signs—droppings, gnaw marks, nesting material, and audible scratching. Follow the evidence to locate the primary entry points, which are often gaps around pipes, vents, foundation cracks, or improperly sealed openings.
Seal every opening before attempting control measures. Use steel wool combined with expanding foam for small holes, and install metal flashing or cement for larger gaps. Ensure that exterior vents have mesh screens and that weather stripping around doors and windows is intact.
Implement a trapping strategy. Place snap traps or electronic traps directly against the interior side of the wall, preferably where droppings are most concentrated. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractants. Check traps daily and dispose of captured animals according to local regulations.
If bait stations are preferred, deploy tamper‑resistant units near entry points, but keep them out of reach of children and pets. Rotate bait types every few days to prevent bait shyness. Maintain cleanliness by removing food residues, storing grain in sealed containers, and eliminating water sources that could attract pests.
Monitor progress for at least two weeks after sealing and trapping. Re‑inspect walls for new activity; repeat trapping and sealing as needed. Persistent signs of infestation may indicate hidden nests or inaccessible entry points, requiring professional pest‑control intervention.
When hiring a specialist, verify that they are licensed and use integrated pest‑management (IPM) techniques, which combine mechanical removal, exclusion, and minimal chemical use. Request a written plan outlining inspection findings, recommended actions, and follow‑up schedule.
Finally, adopt preventive habits: regular exterior maintenance, routine checks for new gaps after renovations, and keeping the interior free of food debris. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of future wall colonization.