What should you do if rats and mice appear in the house? - briefly
Seal all entry points, store food in airtight containers, and remove clutter to deny shelter. Deploy snap traps or professional bait stations, and contact a licensed pest‑control service if the infestation continues.
What should you do if rats and mice appear in the house? - in detail
When rodents are detected in a residence, immediate action prevents infestation growth and health hazards.
Inspect every room, attic, basement, and crawl space. Identify gnaw marks, droppings, nests, and pathways. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, vents, doors, windows, and foundation cracks.
Seal openings with steel wool, copper mesh, or caulk. Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping. Ensure that exterior vents are covered with metal screens.
Eliminate food sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers. Clean crumbs and spills promptly. Keep garbage in sealed bins and remove it regularly.
Deploy control devices:
- Snap traps: place along walls, behind objects, and near signs of activity. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Live traps: set in areas where capture without killing is preferred; release captured rodents at least 2 miles from the property.
- Electronic traps: position according to manufacturer instructions; they deliver a lethal shock.
- Bait stations: secure tamper‑proof units containing anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides. Follow label directions and keep away from children and pets.
Monitor traps daily, dispose of carcasses safely, and reset devices as needed.
If activity persists after several days, or if structural damage is extensive, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. Request a comprehensive inspection, treatment plan, and documentation of actions taken.
Maintain preventive measures: schedule periodic inspections, keep vegetation trimmed away from the building, and ensure drainage prevents water accumulation near foundations. Continuous vigilance limits future rodent incursions.