How to Permanently Get Rid of Mice, According to Experts

Dealing with mice invading your living space can be a nuisance. Discovering ways to eliminate them from your house or apartment effectively is crucial for maintaining a clean and pest-free environment. Several simple strategies can help curb these unwelcome guests, from sealing entry points to managing food sources. Preventing gaps, trimming surrounding foliage, and adopting natural deterrents such as essential oils might offer relief.

Additionally, considering the option of getting a feline companion or combining pets for pest control purposes could be a viable solution. This article explores practical, easy-to-implement methods to tackle and prevent mice infestations, ensuring a more comfortable and pest-free home or apartment.

Understanding Mouse Behavior and the Risks

Before diving into the methods of mouse control, it’s important to understand the behavior of these persistent little creatures. Mice are highly curious and motivated by food, making them difficult to deter. They are naturally nocturnal, with peak activity between 2 to 4 a.m. However, if they find a steady food source and feel safe, they may also venture out during the day. Spotting a mouse in daylight is a sign of a large and hungry population.

Beyond being a nuisance, mice can also pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mice can directly and indirectly spread diseases to humans through their urine, feces, saliva, and ticks. They often hide in walls, attics, and other secluded areas, making it challenging to detect their presence. To protect your home and family, it’s essential to take proactive measures to eliminate mice.

Identifying a Mouse Infestation

The first step in getting rid of mice is to identify whether you have an infestation. Mice reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of having up to eight litters per year, resulting in as many as 100 offspring. Look out for the following signs of a mouse infestation:

Droppings: Mouse droppings are usually the first indication of an infestation. They resemble dark grains of rice and are about a quarter-inch long. Rat droppings tend to be larger, about half an inch in length.
Gnaw Marks: Mice are constantly foraging for food, so check your pantry and cabinets for gnaw marks on food boxes or debris on shelves.
Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps and cracks in walls, along baseboards, windows, and around pipes, wires, and drains. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter-inch in diameter.

Once you’ve confirmed a mouse infestation, it’s time to take action and eliminate these unwanted guests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Rid of Mice

Getting rid of mice isn’t a quick fix; it’s a process. Just like dealing with other pests like silverfish or cockroaches, it’s best to prevent mice from entering your home in the first place. But sometimes, despite all precautions, mice might sneak in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing them as swiftly and painlessly as possible:

1. Discover their entry points

Mice need a route into your home before they settle in. Basements, attics, crawlspaces, and gaps around doors and windows are potential entryways. Cindy Mannes, from the National Pest Management Association, advises against randomly placing traps, emphasizing the need to investigate where mice might nest. Once identified, concentrate trap placement in those spots.

2. Set mouse traps

Utilizing traps is among the most effective methods to evict mice from your home. Position traps strategically in vulnerable zones, such as along walls or near trash cans. There’s a range of mouse traps available, differing in cost, functionality, and design:

Snap traps: This rapid-trigger mechanism swiftly immobilizes mice. Used correctly, these traps efficiently reduce the mouse population. Varieties include bar, clam, and hidden kill traps.

Electric traps: These devices entice mice into a chamber and then administer an electric shock to eliminate them. They’re designed to safeguard humans and pets from shocks. Lerman highlights their effectiveness but notes the high battery consumption, calling them expensive to operate.

All traps require bait—peanut butter is the most common, but alternatives like chocolate, cheese, bird seed, or nuts can also lure mice effectively.

3. Clear out the garage.

Cars aren’t the only thing mice find appealing; they are drawn to garages too. “Mice can seek refuge under the warmth of your car hood, causing potential damage by gnawing on wires,” Mannes advises. Safeguard your vehicle using rodent tape infused with components like those found in chili peppers to deter their return.

While deploying mouse traps in the garage is a good start, preventing their entry altogether is more effective. “Sealing off the garage is crucial. Installing weather stripping beneath the garage door acts as a barrier against these pests,” suggests DiClerico. Moreover, keeping any potential food sources out of reach for mice is imperative. “Avoid storing trash, pet food, or anything that might attract mice inside the garage,” advises DiClerico.

4. Seeking professional help as a last resort

Each person has their limit before seeking professional assistance. If you reach a point where you need help, inquire with friends and neighbors for recommendations. Whether you prefer a more assertive approach or a humane one, you can expect to spend between $150 and $250 for treatment, depending on your home’s size and the extent of the infestation.

Always verify an exterminator’s credentials before hiring them. “Ensure the professional is state-licensed and affiliated with a state or national association,” suggests Mannes. “These individuals typically possess proper credentials and keep up with the latest treatment techniques.”

Preventing Future Mice Infestations

Once you have successfully eliminated mice from your home, preventing future infestations is important. Here are some preventive measures you can implement:

Secure Entry Points

Use 100% silicone caulk to seal any narrow gaps, ensuring a tight seal. For larger holes over 1/2-inch wide, start by filling them with steel wool or copper mesh to deter mice from gnawing through. Finish by sealing these spaces with joint compound, or consider using a foam insulation pest blocker. Take special care to inspect areas where pipes enter the house and examine basement foundations. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors also prevents mice from sneaking in.

Trim Surrounding Branches

Trimming shrubs and branches around your home is essential as they act as pathways for mice and insects. Cutting back shrubbery from the house’s exterior denies easy access. While spring is usually the optimal time for pruning, removing dead or broken branches can be done at any time during the year. Additionally, ensure firewood stacks are placed at least 20 feet away from the house. Mice, termites, and carpenter ants tend to nest in these piles, so distancing them from the house helps prevent infestations.

Manage Food Sources

During colder seasons, mice seek warmth and a steady food supply. Maintain cleanliness in kitchen areas such as shelves, cabinets, and countertops. Store unsealed food in airtight containers to restrict access for mice. Similarly, be mindful of pet food, avoiding leaving it out in bowls throughout the day to prevent attracting rodents. Mice are known to nibble on paper products and cardboard, so as part of your weekly kitchen clean up, dispose of or recycle excessive food packaging to eliminate potential attractions.

Secure Your Waste

Opt for a mouse-resistant trash can with a secure, tight-fitting lid, or use rubber cords to keep it tightly closed. Metal bins are particularly effective. Regularly clean both the inside and outside of the cans to deter rodent-attracting odors.

Use Natural Remedies

While expert opinions may differ on the effectiveness of homemade solutions against mice, experimenting with natural deterrents poses no harm. Some individuals suggest that the scent of peppermint and clove oil acts as a repellent for mice. Soak cotton balls with these essential oils and place them in areas prone to attracting mice, such as drawers, cabinets, and entryways. However, according to Lerman, certain potpourri-like blends advertised to repel mice from enclosed spaces, like farm tractor cabs over winter, prove ineffective in larger or open areas. Moreover, these mixtures can be overly aromatic, making them intolerable for household use.

Think about getting a cat.

Research from the Scripps Research Institute indicates that mice instinctively experience fear upon detecting pheromones from cat urine. Additionally, academic reports highlight the effectiveness of having both a cat and a dog at home in deterring rodents. Nonetheless, getting a pet shouldn’t solely revolve around pest control. There are various considerations, such as the costs associated with pet care and maintenance, as well as dealing with potential pet-related issues like shedding.

How do mice enter houses or apartments?

Mice can sneak into buildings through very small openings, such as gaps in walls, vents, windows, doors, or pipes. They are incredibly flexible and can fit through surprisingly tiny spaces.

What diseases do mice carry?

Mice can carry several diseases that are harmful to humans. Some of these diseases include hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. These illnesses can be transmitted through contact with mouse droppings, urine, or saliva.

Can I use DIY methods to get rid of mice effectively?

Yes, several do-it-yourself (DIY) methods can effectively eliminate mice from your living space. These methods include setting traps, using natural deterrents, and sealing entry points to prevent their access.

How can I prevent a mouse infestation in the future?

To prevent future mouse infestations, regularly inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them off. Keep your living space clean and tidy, eliminating food sources that might attract mice. Additionally, consider using deterrents to discourage mice from entering.

When should I seek professional help for a mouse infestation?

If DIY methods fail to control the mouse problem or if the infestation is severe, it’s advisable to seek professional pest control services. Professionals can employ more advanced methods and ensure the thorough elimination of mice from your house or apartment.

Conclusion

Dealing with a mouse infestation can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively and permanently get rid of mice in your house or apartment. Remember to thoroughly inspect your home, set traps strategically, and seal off entry points. If needed, consult a professional exterminator for assistance. By taking preventive measures and eliminating potential food sources, you can minimize the risk of future mouse infestations. With persistence and careful planning, you can maintain a mouse-free environment and protect your home and health.

GET IN TOUCH