What to do to get rid of mice in an apartment using folk methods? - briefly
Apply strong-smelling natural repellents—peppermint oil, crushed garlic, dried chilies—near suspected entry points and install homemade bucket traps baited with peanut butter and a ramp. Seal all cracks with steel wool and keep the apartment free of food crumbs to prevent reinfestation.
What to do to get rid of mice in an apartment using folk methods? - in detail
Traditional home remedies can be effective for removing rodents from a flat when applied systematically. The first step is to eliminate food sources. Store all grains, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers; clean crumbs and spills immediately; and keep garbage sealed and removed daily. Reducing available nourishment forces the pests to seek other locations.
Next, block entry points. Inspect walls, baseboards, windows, and doors for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Use steel wool, caulk, or expandable foam to seal cracks; install door sweeps and weather stripping. Rodents cannot chew through metal, so reinforcing vulnerable areas prevents new invasions.
For active control, employ several folk tactics:
- Peppermint oil traps – Soak cotton balls in pure peppermint essential oil and place them near suspected pathways, behind appliances, and in corners. The strong scent irritates the animals and discourages movement.
- Clove and garlic mixture – Combine ground cloves with minced garlic, add a few drops of water to create a paste, and spread it along baseboards and entry holes. Both ingredients emit volatile compounds that repel rodents.
- Hot pepper flakes – Sprinkle crushed cayenne or chili pepper around openings and near food storage. The irritant effect drives the pests away without harming occupants.
- Used cat litter – Distribute a thin layer of used litter in hidden areas; the scent of a predator creates a hostile environment for mice.
- Homemade snap traps – Construct a simple trap using a wooden block, a spring‑loaded bar, and a bait of peanut butter. Position the device perpendicular to the wall, ensuring the mouse must run over the trigger to reach the food.
Maintain trap effectiveness by checking and resetting them daily. Replace repellents every few days, as volatile oils evaporate quickly. Combine these measures with a rigorous cleaning schedule to sustain a hostile setting for rodents.
Finally, monitor the situation. Keep a log of sightings, droppings, and damaged food packages. If activity persists after two weeks of consistent application, consider augmenting folk methods with professional pest control, as a larger infestation may require stronger interventions.