What to do during a mouse infestation in an apartment? - briefly
Seal all gaps, store food in airtight containers, eliminate clutter, and deploy snap or bait traps along walls and near suspected activity. If infestation persists, hire a licensed exterminator and maintain rigorous sanitation to prevent re‑infestation.
What to do during a mouse infestation in an apartment? - in detail
A mouse infestation in a residential unit requires immediate, systematic action to protect health, property, and comfort. The following steps outline a comprehensive response.
First, confirm the presence of rodents. Look for droppings (small, dark pellets), gnaw marks, shredded materials, and faint squeaking sounds. Identify entry points by inspecting walls, baseboards, windows, doors, and utility openings for gaps larger than a quarter inch.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store all pantry items in airtight containers. Remove pet food after each feeding and clean up crumbs immediately. Dispose of garbage in sealed bags and keep trash cans covered.
Seal all access routes. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk to fill cracks and holes. Install door sweeps and weather stripping on exterior doors. Cover vent openings with fine mesh screens.
Deploy trapping and monitoring devices. Choose from snap traps, electronic traps, or live-catch traps, placing them perpendicular to walls where droppings are evident. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents in sealed bags, and reset traps as needed.
Consider chemical control only as a last resort. If using rodenticides, follow label instructions precisely, keep products away from children and pets, and place bait stations in tamper‑proof containers.
Maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation. Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and under appliances. Repair any water leaks promptly, as moisture attracts rodents. Conduct periodic inspections of the sealed entry points.
If the problem persists despite these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform a thorough assessment, apply advanced control techniques, and provide a long‑term management plan.
Document all actions taken, including dates of inspections, traps set, and repairs made. This record assists in tracking progress and may be required for lease agreements or insurance claims.