What should you do with house mice? - briefly
Implement humane trapping or professional extermination, and maintain sanitation to prevent reinfestation. Seal entry points and remove food sources to stop further intrusion.
What should you do with house mice? - in detail
House mice infiltrate homes seeking food, shelter, and warmth. Effective control begins with a systematic approach that eliminates access, reduces attractants, and removes existing occupants.
- Conduct a thorough inspection to locate entry points, nesting sites, and signs of activity such as droppings, gnaw marks, and urine stains. Document locations for targeted action.
- Seal gaps larger than ¼ inch using steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth. Pay special attention to foundation cracks, utility penetrations, vents, and door thresholds.
- Remove food sources by storing pantry items in airtight containers, cleaning crumbs promptly, and eliminating pet food left out overnight. Dispose of garbage in sealed bins and clean under appliances.
- Reduce water availability by fixing leaky pipes, drying sinks, and wiping up spills.
- Deploy traps in identified hotspots. Choose snap traps for rapid kill, live‑catch traps for relocation, or electronic devices for instant electrocution. Place bait (peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit) on the trigger mechanism and set traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
- Apply rodenticides only when necessary, following label instructions, using tamper‑resistant bait stations, and keeping products away from children and non‑target animals.
- Maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation: vacuum regularly, wash bedding, and keep clutter to a minimum.
- Monitor the situation for several weeks after intervention. Re‑inspect for new activity and repeat trapping or exclusion measures if signs reappear.
- If infestations persist despite diligent effort, contact a licensed pest‑management professional for comprehensive assessment and treatment.
Adhering to these steps eliminates the immediate problem and creates long‑term resistance to future mouse incursions.