The first step to learning to eliminate mice is to decide whether you want to tackle things the easy way or the hard way. It could be as easy as making one call on your phone to a professional pest control company that will help you eliminate mice, or it could be like you are hunting invisible mice down a wall. Here's everything you need to know about getting rid of mice, should you feel brave enough to tackle these disease-carrying rodents yourself.
1. Remove any potential entry points.
Building a home that is resistant to mice, also known as mouse-proofing, is a successful strategy for keeping mice infestations from spreading or starting in the first place. Eliminate points of entry and easy entry points to keep mice away from your property. This can be difficult to do with the ability of the mouse to squeeze itself through even the most minuscule openings (one-quarter inch or more). A good rule of thumb is if a pencil can squeeze through a crack, hole, or crevice, so can a mouse.
Seal foundation cracks, and also holes in your walls, like the ones that house your service pipes and ventilation. Steel wool and caulk are good options for these situations. As a sealant, avoid using plastic, rubber, wood, or anything that mice could easily chew. Make sure that your doors have weatherstripping to create a seal on the threshold when it is closed, and obtain weatherstripping for gaps in doors and windows.
2. Make use of mousetraps.
Mouse traps are the best way to help get rid of mice during a current infestation. For small-to-moderate mouse populations, a traditional snap trap made from wood may be sufficient, but remember, most people underestimate mice infestations. It is not uncommon to set up a dozen traps for one single mouse -- or what you think is one mouse. It is also a good idea to set up different types of traps. In addition to the wooden ones, use bait snares, multiple-catch, live-traps, and glue traps. This increases the chances that you will capture all the mice, since some might be attracted to some of the traps and will know how to avoid it.
3. Selecting The Best Mouse Bait For Snap Traps.
You can use approved food for mice, such as chocolate, peanut butter, bacon, oatmeal, dried fruits, or a hazelnut spread, or you can use any food that mice eat around your house. Tie your bait to your mouse traps using fishing line or dental floss when you are ready to set your baited trap. This will make sure that the mouse gets its fair share, not "stealing cheese". A hot glue gun may also be used to hold down bait. Every couple of days, change out the bait for fresh ones. If food does not work, try using cotton balls or feathers for nesting materials.
4. Mouse traps need to be placed properly.
Placing traps perpendicular to a wall, and the trigger portion facing a baseboard is a good idea. This encourages a mouse to come right at the bait when he is running up a wall, instead of running at the trap from the wrong direction, which will set it off early. Mice will not venture farther than about 10 to 20 feet from their food sources and their nesting areas (i.e., their territories), so place the traps anywhere that you have observed mice or evidence of mice, such as mouse droppings on the floorboards or the walls "rubbing". Every couple days or so, change the location of the traps. Mice, unlike rats, are naturally curious and do not shy away from a trap.
5. Bait Stations
Bait stations (also known as bait bags) are sealed pouches that have food scraps or pellets in them. They are typically wrapped in plastic, paper, or cellophane, making them easier for mice to chew on and reach a preserved, fresh bait. The mice will eat the bait, dying as a result. While these chemicals may be helpful in getting rid of mice, it is best that these chemicals are handled by trained pest control technicians in order to ensure the safety of yourself, your kids, and your pets.
6. While good hygiene does not keep mice out, poor hygiene does.
Mice can survive on only 3 or 4 grams of food a day, so some scraps here and there are enough. Vacuum the floors and clean off the countertops to get rid of any residual food, scraps, or potential sources of food. Mason jars or sealed containers are perfect for storing food. Do not forget to seal your garbage cans. Mice have powerful incisor teeth, which can chew through just about anything, including concrete, if a tantrum strikes, so plastic bags are no match for these voracious eaters.
7. Get rid of mice, whether in or out of your home.
Remove any trash the mice may have used for shelter. Keep grasses to the side, and remove holes and nesting places when you find them. Nesting and burrowing can be prevented by covering the foundations of your house with a thick strip of gravel. The less clutter and trash that surrounds your home and property, the easier it is to spot indicators of rodent activity and keep mice on the trail.
8. Mice vs. Cats.
Mice are the favourite food for many cats. Even the dogs join in on the fun. If you have pets, they might be the most efficient way to trap the mouse, and they do not need to lift a finger. If you do not have pets yet, this is the best time to stop watching cat videos on YouTube and go get one. Many farms use backyard cats or barn cats to keep mice in check. Of course, some pets are not concerned about mice, which is understandable given the way that many owners handle their pets.
If you are dealing with a serious mouse problem that could endanger your family, consider using rodent traps or calling in a professional pest control company.
Still cannot seem to get rid of those pesky mice? We will find invading mice, determine the most effective method for getting them out of your home, then develop a strategy for keeping them away from returning, all through Apex Pest Controls Rodent Management Services. To get started, please schedule your Inspection today.