Mice Extermination Methods - 5 Ways to Get Rid of Mice
Mice are a surprisingly common problem in houses, with mice entering attics, kitchens, garages, and foundations across the United States. From a single mouse to an infestation, mice can cause a whole host of problems, from destruction of property and food to disease for humans and pets. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to rid your home of mice and prevent further damage to your home. As with any pest control advice, however, keep in mind that the methods that will work best for you vary based on the severity and duration of the mouse infestation.
Method # 1: The most common method for riding a home of a mouse infestation is the mouse trap. The most well-known type of trap is a spring trap, which must be baited and reset every time. These traps work fairly well for a couple of mice, but mice have been known to steal the bait on occasion, and they can also be dangerous to pets or young children.
There are also a number of "catch and release" traps on the market. If you are interested in this method, keep in mind you will have to take the mice far away to avoid a re-infestation. You must also be comfortable occasionally having to touch a mouse.
Method # 2: Bait and poison is another popular method of mouse control. This involves setting store-bought poison in your home, with the hope that mice will take it to their den and ingest it, killing the mice. If you have young children or pets, be sure to set your poison somewhere the mice can reach but they cannot, such as an upper cabinet. Be sure you are also comfortable with the idea of hunting for and cleaning up the deceased animals. This method can also be difficult to wait out, as it may take several weeks to poison all the mice.
Method # 3: There are a number of natural methods people swear by to keep mice away from their homes. The most popular involves using peppermint oil. Placing the oil around food, bedding, or areas where mice are known to enter the home is said to keep them out. This is thought to be due to the way that mice navigate the world, which is largely by scent of smell.
Others swear by moth balls for the same reasons. Note that these methods may be a good starting place, but may not rid your home of all existing pests.
Method # 4: While you will most likely have to use this in conjunction with another method, creating barriers between the mouse's entrance and your home can cut down on the number of mice in the area. Some experts say steel wool is a quick fix, while others swear by caulking. Note that mice can chew through both, so you will want to eventually replace or completely repair the cracked foundation or cabinet.
Method # 5: Hiring a professional exterminator is the only proven way to seal mice out, kill existing mice, and keep them from re-entering your home. If you have a severe infestation, this may be your only option. Consider using our tool to find a local exterminator who can help you get your home back to being safe and secure, and keep mice out for good.