What should you do with mice in the house? - briefly
Seal all entry points, eliminate food sources, and employ snap or live traps to remove the rodents; promptly dispose of captured mice and, if the problem persists, engage a licensed pest‑control service. Ensure thorough cleaning afterward to prevent reinfestation.
What should you do with mice in the house? - in detail
Mice entering a residence require immediate, systematic action to protect health, property, and food supplies.
First, confirm their presence. Look for droppings (1‑2 mm black pellets), gnaw marks, shredded insulation, and nesting material such as shredded paper or fabric. Identify entry points by inspecting walls, foundations, windows, doors, and utility penetrations for gaps larger than ¼ inch.
Second, eliminate attractants. Store all food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and empty trash daily into sealed bins. Reduce water sources by fixing leaks and drying damp areas.
Third, block access. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or concrete to seal holes; apply expanding foam only where rodents cannot chew through. Install door sweeps and weather stripping to close gaps beneath doors and windows.
Fourth, capture or eradicate the rodents. Choose a method based on safety, occupancy, and local regulations:
- Snap traps: position perpendicular to walls, bait with peanut butter or chocolate, check daily, and dispose of killed mice according to local health guidelines.
- Live‑catch traps: bait similarly, release captured animals at least 1 mile from the property, complying with wildlife regulations.
- Electronic traps: deliver a lethal shock, require minimal handling, and contain the carcass.
Avoid glue boards; they cause prolonged suffering and are difficult to dispose of safely.
Fifth, disinfect affected areas. After removal, wear gloves and a mask, then clean surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or an EPA‑registered disinfectant. Dispose of contaminated materials in sealed bags.
Sixth, monitor continuously. Place additional traps along walls for several weeks to catch any survivors. Re‑inspect entry points weekly and repair any new openings promptly.
Seventh, consider professional pest control if infestations persist, if structural damage is extensive, or if the occupants include vulnerable individuals (children, elderly, immunocompromised). Professionals can provide integrated pest management, combining exclusion, trapping, and, when necessary, approved rodenticides applied safely.
By following these steps—verification, sanitation, exclusion, removal, disinfection, ongoing monitoring, and, when needed, expert intervention—residents can effectively eradicate mice and prevent future invasions.