How to Get Rid of Mice
Identifying a Mouse Infestation
Identifying a mouse infestation early is crucial to prevent it from getting any worse. Look for droppings (which are small, dark and pellet-shaped) near your baseboards, by any food sources or in your cabinets.
Check for any gnaw marks on your furniture, any exposed electrical wires or even food packaging. You can also listen for scratching or scurrying noises in your walls, floors or ceiling, especially at night, when mice are more active. Mice also tend to use the same routes to get around your home, so look for rub markings on your baseboards or walls.
Finally, if you’ve got pets – watch for any odd behavior like pawing under appliances or barking at random areas in the home. If you notice any of these things, you may have a mouse infestation.
Tips to Repel & Get Rid of Mice
Number 1 Seal Entry Points
Sealing entry points is essential when figuring out how to deter mice. Remember, mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime – so sealing gaps around your doors and windows, vents and even utility pipes can help keep them from entering your home. Different areas can require different types of sealing, so use things like thick steel wool, caulk or even metal mesh to ensure that no mice get in.
By proactively sealing entry areas, you’ll not only reduce the risk of infestation, but you’ll also minimize the need for traps and other chemical deterrents.
Number 2 Eliminate Food Sources
Mice love when you leave food laying around, or in open spaces, so one of the best ways to repel mice is simply to store your food in airtight containers to prevent them from accessing it. Things like grains, cereals and other items left in open packaging are especially attractive to mice, so be sure to store those in thick plastic containers, or something the mice can’t chew through.
Keeping your countertops, floors and pantry shelves clean, tidy and free of crumbs is another great way to deter mice.
Number 3 Set Mouse Traps, Baits & Poison
Laying traps, using baits and applying poisons are all effective ways of eliminating a mouse infestation. Snap traps are a traditional and humane way of eliminating mice, while live traps allow for a catch-and-release option, if you choose that route.
Bait stations that contain poisons attract mice with food-based lures and should always be placed carefully and kept away from children and pets. Proper trap placement – along walls, near entry points and in dark corners will be the most effective. Be sure to regularly check them and dispose of any trapped mice.
Number 4 Use Natural Mouse Repellents and Deterrents
Using repellents and natural deterrents can help you keep mice from infesting your home. Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that – while they can’t be heard by humans or pets – can deter mice from entering your home. They usually come in a larger one-piece unit or a pack of smaller units that can be placed in various areas in your home, like kitchens, garages, basements and other areas.
Repellent sprays are another great option that are usually made with bittering agents or spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper, and can be sprayed onto entry areas, siding, garbage bins or any other areas that mice would normally forage or nest in to deter them.
Number 4 Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your home clean and free of crumbs, food and other attractants is the easiest way to deter a mouse infestation. Keep your food sealed and your floors and pantry shelves clean and free of open or loosely boxed food. Be sure to clean around your baseboards and in your cupboards, and always be on the lookout for tell-tale signs of a mouse infestation.
Tips for Preventing Infestations and Keeping Mice Away
Preventing a mouse infestation is much easier than dealing with one. By making your home less inviting, you can reduce the risk of mice entering and causing damage. Here are some great ways to keep mice away:
- Seal your Entry Points – Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, holes or other areas that mice could enter through. Fill them appropriately with caulk, steel wool or metal mesh.
- Store your Food Properly – Try and keep your food in airtight, rodent-proof containers made of thick plastic or glass.
- Keep your Home Clean – Clutter gives mice a space to hide, so remove any unwanted clutter from basements, attics and storage areas.
- Use Natural Mouse Repellents – Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper or sprays that include bittering agents work well at keeping mice out of your house.
- Set Traps and Baits – If you do suspect a mouse infestation, use snap traps or bait stations near entryways and dark corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Look for droppings and gnaw marks and listen for scratching sounds, especially at night.
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Seal entry points, eliminate their food sources, set traps or use natural mouse repellents.
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Mice can chew through thin plastic, so make sure to use thick plastic, glass or metal containers to store food.
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Results can vary, and while they can be effective, mice can sometimes get used to the sound over time.
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Listen for activity and then place traps or bait stations near entry points. If the problem persists, you may want to contact a professional pest control company.