What should you do if you caught a mouse in the house? - briefly
Wear gloves and carefully release the captured mouse at least 100 m from the residence, using a humane trap if necessary. Then inspect the building for gaps and seal all potential entry points to prevent future incursions.
What should you do if you caught a mouse in the house? - in detail
When a rodent is captured inside a residence, immediate and systematic action prevents injury, contamination, and recurrence.
First, secure the animal. If it is alive in a trap, wear thick gloves and place the trap on a stable surface. Cover the trap with a cloth to calm the creature and reduce stress. Transport the trap to an outdoor location away from the home, preferably at least 100 feet from any entry point, and release the mouse gently onto vegetation or into a wooded area.
If the mouse is deceased, handle it with gloves and a disposable bag. Place the carcass in the bag, seal it, and dispose of it in an outdoor trash container that is regularly emptied. Clean the trap with hot, soapy water, then disinfect with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before reuse.
Next, sanitize the capture site. Remove any droppings, urine stains, or gnaw marks using a disposable cloth soaked in the same bleach solution. After wiping, rinse the area with clean water and dry it completely. For porous surfaces, apply an appropriate disinfectant spray and let it air‑dry.
Inspect the home for additional entry points. Examine walls, foundations, doors, windows, and utility openings. Seal gaps larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Implement preventive measures to deter future incursions. Store food in sealed containers, keep countertops clear of crumbs, and dispose of garbage regularly. Reduce clutter in storage areas, as clutter provides hiding places. Consider setting up a few humane live‑catch traps in high‑activity zones, checking them daily and releasing any captures far from the dwelling.
Finally, monitor the situation. Check traps and inspected areas weekly for signs of activity—fresh droppings, gnaw marks, or new sightings. Promptly address any new evidence to maintain a rodent‑free environment.