How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home

Mice can wreak havoc in your home, nibbling on food, wires, and insulation and leaving droppings wherever they go. Not only are they a nuisance. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that mice also present a health hazard to humans as they can spread diseases directly through their feces, saliva, or urine. People can even become infected by mites, fleas, or ticks that have fed on these rodents. The good news is there are a few steps you can take to get rid of mice in your home.

Here is how to get rid of mice in your home

1. Figure out how they’re getting in

Before you can get rid of mice, you need to figure out how they’re getting into your home in the first place. Start by doing a thorough inspection of your exterior walls and foundation. Look for any cracks or holes that could be providing an entry point for the mice. Once you’ve identified potential openings, seal them up using steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth.

2. Set bait and traps

Once you’ve sealed off any potential entry points, it’s time to set up bait and traps in the areas of your home where you have seen evidence of mice activity. When setting a trap, consider using peanut butter as bait since mice are attracted to it. Be sure to place your trap where the mice will likely find it. And be careful not to touch the bait with your bare hands.

Here are examples of some traps that work

• Use a snap trap: One of the most effective ways to catch a mouse is to use a snap trap. These traps work by luring the mouse into a small space with bait, then quickly snapping it shut and killing the mouse. Be sure to position snap traps away from areas where children or pets could come into contact with them. You can find snap traps at your local hardware or home improvement store.
• Try a live trap: If you’re not comfortable with the idea of killing mice, you can try using a live trap instead. Live traps work by luring the mouse into a small enclosed space from which it cannot escape. Once the mouse is trapped, you can release it outside, far away from your home. You can find live traps at most hardware and home improvement stores.
• Electric traps: Electric traps are a more recent invention that uses electricity to kill mice on contact. These traps work by luring the mouse into an enclosed space with bait, then delivering an electric shock when it touches the metal plates inside. Electric traps can be very effective. And they are designed to prevent humans and pets from being shocked.
• Make your own trap: If you’re feeling particularly handy, you can make your own mouse trap out of materials you probably already have around your house. For example, you can take a plastic bottle and cut a small hole in the side near the base. Then, put some bait inside the bottle and wait for the mouse to go in after it. Once the mouse is inside, it won’t be able to get back out, and you can release it at least a mile away from your home.

3. Remove their food and water sources

Mice are attracted to your home because it provides them with everything they need: food and water. To get rid of them, you need to take away those resources. Start by cleaning up any food crumbs or spills that might be appealing to them. Store food in airtight containers and keep it off the floor or counters. Next, check for leaks under sinks or behind appliances—mice will drink from dripping faucets if they’re thirsty enough. Repair any leaks you find, and make sure to clean up any water that’s been left behind.

4. Get a cat

Cats are natural predators of mice and can be a great way to get rid of them in your home. Just make sure you’re prepared for the responsibilities that come with pet ownership before bringing a cat into your home.

5. Use natural repellents

If you’re looking for a more natural way to keep mice away. There are several essential oils that act as effective repellents. For example, mice dislike the smell of peppermint oil. So try putting a few drops on cotton balls and placing them around areas where mice are known to frequent. You can also try using lemon-scented oil or eucalyptus oil in the same way. The smell of essential oils will not get rid of mice completely. But it can help to get rid of them when used with other methods mentioned above.

6. Set up an ultrasonic device

An ultrasonic device emits sound waves that humans can’t hear. But are very bothersome to rodents like mice—so much so that they’ll usually leave an area where one is present. These devices can be plugged into an outlet or battery-operated, making them very versatile. You can find ultrasonic devices specifically designed to keep mice away or purchase a general pest control device that will also work on other pests like cockroaches or ants.

7. Call an exterminator

If you’ve tried all of these methods and still haven’t had any success getting rid of mice, your best course of action is to call an exterminator. Exterminators have access to powerful pesticides and other treatments that will effectively eliminate any remaining mice in your home. What’s more, they will be able to identify any potential entry points for future infestations and help you seal them up. So that you don’t have to deal with this problem again down the road.

Prevent future infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of the mice in your home. It’s important to take steps to prevent another infestation from happening in the future. Some prevention strategies include sealing up any openings in your home, eliminating food sources, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free.

Takeaway

Dealing with a mouse infestation in your home is no fun. But luckily, there are things you can do to get rid of them for good. Be sure to seal up all openings in your home, eliminate their food sources, set up traps, use bait stations, and call an exterminator if necessary. By taking these steps, you can get rid of mice and keep them from coming back!

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Apartment