How to Get Rid of Mice When They’ve Invaded Your Home

Picture this: After spending two weeks on a vacation with your family that you had all been dreaming of for months, you arrive home exhausted and ready to climb into the sheets of a familiar bed, not one of those lumpy and uncomfortable hotel beds. Just when you think it is about time to unload and recover, you come to find a load of mess and mice droppings. What do you do?

Start Cleaning

Mice are attracted to anything that could be food. It might even be just a few crumbs on the floor. Cleaning up won’t get rid of mice, but it will limit their food supply. Don’t ignore any messes. Mice can survive on just a few grams of food a day. Even the smallest spills can provide all the food a mouse needs. Make sure all food was stored in airtight containers and garbage cans are secured, and make the necessary changes if needed.

Learn Their Habits

Mice tend to follow the same paths to get to and from their nests. Their trails are fairly easy to follow as they often leave dirt, crumbs, and other debris behind them. Pay attention to their paths. This will help you to determine where to place traps. While cautious, mice are also curious. They will investigate new items in their path, especially if it contains food or something useful for their nest.

Find the Right Trap

There are several types of traps that you can purchase to deal with mice. One of the most well-known is a snap trap. These can be effective for smaller populations. They’re also a good option if you want to know that the mice are taken care of. Electronic mouse traps send a high-voltage shock that kills mice who wander inside. You don’t have to see the dead mouse but an indicator light will let you know that there’s one inside.

If you prefer to avoid killing the mice, you can purchase humane traps, which allow you to capture a mouse without harming it. They will have to be checked regularly. Once a mouse has been caught, you can release it back outdoors. Be sure to contact your local authority for information on releasing and relocating wildlife before setting it free. There are several species of mice and they all have different habitats. For instance, a Deer Mouse lives in areas of dense shrubbery while a field mouse lives in meadows and areas of light brush.

Determine Your Bait

There are a few things that you can use for bait. If you have noticed that the rodents have been snacking on a particular food in your home, you can use that to tempt them. Or you can go with known favorites. Mice tend to be attracted to high calories food such as peanut butter, or dried fruit. In the cooler months, you can also use items that mice might want for their nests, such as cotton balls. Place your chosen traps strategically. Move them after a few days if there is no activity and refresh the bait.

Consult with Professional Pest Control

If you notice a significant amount of activity or your traps aren’t working, it may be time to call in professional pest control. A professional will be able to find the exact location of the nest, determine whether you’re dealing with mice or rats, and get rid of the problem for good. Consulting with a professional can also provide you with some insight as to why the mice came into your home and what you can do to prevent another infestation from occurring. This might include doing some home maintenance, such as sealing cracks, fixing holes, trimming shrubbery, and putting grades over vents.

Dealing with mice isn’t something that you want to put off. The sooner you address the problem, the less likely you are to be faced with bigger issues down the line. Not only will getting rid of mice protect your home, but it will also help to prevent any future infestations, that way you can enjoy your next vacation without worrying about those pesky mice.