HOW TO GET RID OF MICE IN YOUR HOME

Having mice in your home, whether it’s the attic, garden, garage, or elsewhere, is far from ideal. If you spot one mouse, chances are there’s an entire family hiding nearby. That’s why it’s crucial to take action as soon as you notice the first signs of mouse presence. If one mouse managed to infiltrate your home, others will likely follow. Moreover, mice reproduce very quickly, so it’s imperative to stop them before a major infestation occurs. Here are several simple and quick methods to get rid of mice in your home.

 

Identify the Type of Mice

 

First and foremost, you need to start by identifying the type of mice present in your home. In Quebec, there are mainly three types of mice:

 

House Mouse (Mus musculus): The most common and problematic for homes and buildings. They are small in size, typically gray, with a long and slender tail. They are known for their ability to adapt to various environments and for their rapid reproduction.

White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus): Also known as the white-footed mouse, it usually lives in forests but can venture into homes, particularly in rural areas. It is larger than the house mouse and has white feet and belly.

Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus): This species primarily lives outdoors in fields and meadows. It is rounder and has a shorter tail than the other two species. Meadow voles are less likely to enter homes but can cause damage to crops and gardens.

 

Search for Entry Points

 

 

Before starting any treatment, it’s essential to locate the entry points of mice in your home. Look for areas where mouse activity is most intense. Generally, you can spot these places by searching for obvious signs such as droppings or footprints. To properly block these openings and ensure that entry points are adequately sealed, install door sweeps to prevent rodent entry.

 

Set Mouse Traps

 

Mouse traps are an essential tool for eliminating mice in your home. When placing your traps, it’s important to think strategically as it will determine their effectiveness. Install the traps in the most vulnerable areas of your home, such as along the walls and behind trash cans. When choosing the appropriate trap for your home, remember that there are many different types of traps, each with its own characteristics in terms of price, operation, and design. Here are some commonly used traps:

 

Snap Traps

 

This is the most economical type of trap and is readily available in local hardware stores and major retailers. The trap uses a quick-trigger mechanism that allows for easy capture of mice. When used correctly, these traps can effectively and rapidly control mice, making them an efficient means of controlling an entire mouse population.

 

Live-Catch Traps

 

As the name suggests, these traps do not kill mice. They function with a compartment or cage equipped with a trigger door that will not open until you release the rodent. It is essential to regularly check these traps to manage your mouse problem in a humane manner.

 

Choose the Right Bait for Your Trap

 

To increase the effectiveness of the mentioned mouse traps, good bait is necessary. If you don’t have allergies, peanut butter is by far the most common and affordable bait option. If you are allergic to peanuts or peanut butter, you can also use cheese, bird seeds, or nuts to attract mice to the trap.

 

Use Household Rodenticides

 

The use of household rodenticides is a common practice to control rodent populations, such as mice and rats, in homes. These products contain toxic substances that, when ingested by the rodent, cause its death. However, their use must be approached with caution. Rodenticides can be dangerous not only to target rodents but also to pets and humans, especially children, who may accidentally ingest them. Additionally, dead rodents can attract other pests, such as flies. For these reasons, it is best to use rodenticides as a last resort after trying safer and more environmentally friendly control methods, such as improving hygiene, eliminating food sources, and using mechanical traps. When it is necessary to use rodenticides, it is strongly recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize risks or to seek the assistance of a certified exterminator.

 

Clean Your Garage

 

Mice look for entry points on your property, including your garage. The warmth from your car’s engine makes your garage an ideal living space for mice during cold Canadian winters.

If you notice signs of mice in your garage, you must address it immediately because once mice start chewing on wires under your car’s hood, it could seriously damage your vehicle or even cause a dangerous situation on the road. To curb a mouse infestation in your garage, place a few traps to eliminate these unwanted rodents. If there are holes or entry points into your home through your garage, make sure they are properly sealed and rodent-proof.

If the garage also serves as a storage area, avoid storing items directly on the floor. It is also important to keep your shelves well-organized to prevent nesting sites. If trash bins are stored in your garage, ensure that the lids are securely in place and that the bins are not overflowing.

 

Monitor Your Attic

 

Preventing mice from taking up residence in the attic requires a proactive approach. Firstly, it is important to seal all potential openings and entry points, such as cracks, holes, and spaces around pipes or wires, with rodent-resistant materials such as metal or cement. Mice are remarkable climbers and can squeeze through very narrow spaces, so no opening is too small to be ignored. Next, eliminate all food and water sources. Do not leave food in the attic and ensure that all pipes and plumbing are properly sealed. Additionally, get rid of any clutter, such as old boxes and stacks of clothing, which can serve as nesting sites. Finally, maintain proper ventilation to discourage mice from establishing a nest in such an exposed area.

 

Regular Maintenance

 

 

Since mice have the unique ability to survive with a limited amount of food per day, leaving food remnants or crumbs around your house can provide an attractive option for mice. Vacuum your floors and clean surfaces to ensure that you eliminate food residues and crumbs in your kitchen and pantry. If you have pets, make sure that the area where they eat is cleaned after they finish, as it is one of the main food sources that can attract mice.

 

Ask a Pest Control Professional for Help

 

If all your attempts to eliminate mice fail, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional pest control expert like Exterminatek. A professional exterminator has the knowledge and equipment to effectively and safely eliminate mice.