How to Get Rid of Mice Now: The Ultimate Guide

One of the most common home invaders for centuries has been the rodent. Between mice and rats, these pests can damage your walls, eat your food, and cause all sorts of problems. Today we will pesent you with the ultimate guide on how to get rid of mice once and for all.

 

Why Are There Mice in Your Home?

Unfortunately, mice infest homes because their natural habitat is shrinking and they seek food, water, warmth, and shelter.

It is important to identify whether you have one mouse or an infestation. Mice and rats are closely related, but methods for removing mice differ slightly from rat removal due to the size of the intruders. Luckily, it is possible to identify these invaders without having first spotted one.

Mice versus Rats

A rodent infestation needs the proper management depending on the rodent that invaded your home. Here are the main differences between mice and rats so you know what you need to do.

• Mice are curious, so you will be seeing them around more often than you are likely to see rats.
• Most mice species are smaller than most rats species.
• You are more likely to find mice burrowed in walls. As a comparison, rats usually dig deep under the house, plants, etc.

   

Why Should You Get Rid of Mice?

Rodent infestations pose numerous health risks. While a larger infestation poses a more significant threat, even a small number of invaders can be dangerous. There is a chance that disease and parasites accompany your mouse problem.

Parasites

The term “plague rat” is based on the 14th century outbreak of bubonic plague, more commonly known as the “Black Death”. The plague’s bacteria Yersinia pestis remains a threat today; although another strain of Y. Pestis which caused the Justinian plague has become extinct. The virus is transmitted by fleas which generally feed on rats, gerbils, and other rodents.

• Fleas, ticks, and mites also lead to other diseases such as Lyme disease.
• Because they feed on blood, these parasites can transmit illness from one host to another. They can also be a threat to humans and pets, especially those with a weak immune system.

Diseases

One of the most dangerous diseases spread by rodents is Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS.

Spread through contaminated waste or saliva from rodents, the virus may take up to five weeks before symptoms show. Different strains are transmitted by particular species of rodent, with the most common North American strain coming from the deer mouse.

Early symptoms include:

• chills,
• fever,
• muscular pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting.

As the virus breaks down the capillaries in your lungs, it causes them to fill with fluid. This leads to difficulty breathing and organ failure if not treated immediately. The mortality rate for the North American variety is 30%.

Other dangerous diseases may also be spread through rodent feces or contact:

• rat bite/Haverhill fever,
• lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis,
• leptospirosis,
• salmonellosis,
• and tularemia.

How to Identify a Mouse Infestation

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The first step is to determine if you have a rodent problem.

• As with many forms of animal infestation, scratching or scuttling sounds are indicators of unwanted housemates.
• The smell of urine is another indicator of an infestation, and rodent urine is particularly strong and musky.
• Gnaw marks and chew holes are a third clear sign of rodent activity.

Droppings are not only a means to identify a rodent problem but also a way to identify the type of rodent.

Rodent droppings tend to be capsular in appearance and may accumulate quickly, even if there is only one pest.

The types of droppings are:

• Mouse: under a one-quarter inch and pointed at the ends
• Norway Rat: larger than a one-half inch with blunt ends
• Roof Rat: more massive than one inch with pointed ends

Shinier droppings are fresh, whereas older droppings tend to be dull and crumbly.

• If there are multiple sizes, then you likely have a larger infestation of both adults and pups.

Mice Removal Methods

Let’s learn how to get rid of mice depending on the severity of the infestation and the main area of the infestation’s occurence.

How to Get Rid of Mice in House

• The first step in eliminating rodents is to find the entry points and block them off using metal or epoxy.
• As mice can enter through cracks or holes as small holes, this is a time-consuming yet necessary task.
• Once you are certain that no more may enter the home, the methods of dealing with your infestation will vary somewhat.
• The second step is to make sure they have no food sources. Keep all foods in metal containers or the refrigerator, and place boxed goods is a well-sealed area that has already been checked for possible entry points.
• Doing so makes trapping rodents easier and may even encourage some to leave on their own.
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How to Get Rid of Mice in the Walls

As you know, mice can climb walls to an extent and can live inside them.

An infestation in your walls or ceiling can prove very difficult to deal with. Rodents will find your insulation an attractive nesting material and may chew through wires or plastic pipes. Worst of all, their waste will be mostly hidden, meaning it is more difficult to clean up after getting rid of them.

Here are the issues you need to consider before you start getting rid of mice in the walls by yourself:

• Using poisons may mean that the rodents will die within your walls.
• They also can take several days to kill the rodent.
• Meanwhile, children and pets will also be at risk of exposure to the poison.
• If using traps, remember that the process will take time and that numerous traps should be placed.

Given all these issues, the best method to get rid of mice in the walls is to use traps or to call an exterminator.

 

 

How to Get Rid of Mice in the Garage And Attic:

The garage and attic can be frustrating sources of infestation. In addition to checking walls for entry points, you should consider the garage door as a possible entry point.

• Make sure that the garage door seals well when closed, leaving no room for the pests to squeeze in.
• Once again, traps are the most effective solution.
• If your garage is a place where children and animals are not permitted to play, then snap traps may be extremely useful here. In your attic, find the food source and use snap traps.
• However, as snap traps will sometimes misfire, live traps remain the best solution.

How to Get Rid of Mice Naturally

Over the years, there have been many claims of products and processes to remove mice. Some of these methods are more useful than others. The following methods are some of the more commonly suggested solutions but are by no means the only ones.

Cats

Contrary to popular belief, not all cats love hunting mice. Let’s learn a few things and bust a few myths about the all-time-favorite cat and mouse conflict.

• Indoor cats who are well-fed may find a mouse to be an exciting play toy for a while, but will eventually grow bored.
• Cats are also less immediately effective against infestations.
• For a house cat, contact with a dead mouse means exposing your household to the risk of diseases to which the cat is immune.

Overall, cats represent the best solution to get rid of mice naturally, as long as you do not deal with a severe mice infestation and the cat wants to and is able to play its predatory part.

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Mouse Repellents

There are countless forms of repellent out there, from sprays to oils and beyond. Some of the most vehicled DIY ideas out there include the following:

• peppermint oil sprays
• mint
• bay leaves
• dryer sheet stuffings
• cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil and cayenne pepper
• the (not so) omnipotent vinegar and more.

Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence that any of these repellents work. According to specialists from the National Pest Management Association, such home remedies do not come with a scientific backup.

In conclusion, you could find yourself wasting a lot of money before finding one which has any effect on your unwanted guests. It is better to avoid using these at all.

Sonic Deterrents

Specialists agree that sonic deterrents are ineffective against rodents and other invasive species.

• The use of lights is also inefficient, as a hungry mouse is a bold mouse.
• Your money is better spent on mouse traps or a professional exterminator.

Mouse Traps

The most effective method of removing mice continues to be the humble mousetrap.

While some are lethal, many new traps capture the mice without harming them. It is a good idea to become familiar with the many types out there before selecting which to use for your infestation problem. Keep in mind that mice and rats will require different traps due to the size difference.

Traditional Snap Traps

The snap trap is a simple device which has been used effectively for over 100 years. It remains highly popular, although there are some drawbacks.

• As these traps use a basic spring-loaded bar to crush the mouse, they often fail to kill the mouse.
• Instead of smashing a leg or tail and leaving the rodent in pain.
• Another drawback to the snap trap is that it is susceptible, leading to accidents.
• Children and pets are also at risk of being injured by snap traps.
• Finally, as the trap is intended to kill, it can cause unwanted exposure to disease through the rodent’s blood.

Humane Mouse Traps

Humane mouse traps are designed to be both effective and safe. Unlike a snap trap, the moving parts generally consist of either a door or ramp.

• The biggest downside to a live trap is that captured rodents must be released at least one mile from your home, preferably in a wooded area, so that they will not find their way back.

How to Use a Door Trap

• To use a door trap, place some bait in the trap.
• Peanut butter and brie are both highly effective, although many different foods will work, including dog food.
• The mouse enters the trap to get to the food, knocking over the support for the door.
• The door shuts, leaving them trapped.

Traps which employ a ramp follow the same principle, but may sometimes catch more than one mouse.

• Bait them as you would a door trap.
• The mouse will follow the scent of the food, walking over a hinged ramp to get to the food.
• Once past the ramp, it raises again, leaving the rodent trapped.

Glue Traps

Another form of trap that has gained in popularity is the glue trap.

• This is a strip of paper with a sticky substance on it similar to flypaper, which is one of the best ways to get rid of mice.
• The rodent’s feet and fur will get stuck to the paper.

While useful, these traps will sometimes suffocate the rodent, plus there is a risk of a child or pet getting held to one.

• It is better to avoid these and buy a humane trap instead.

Homemade Mouse Traps

Over the years, people have invented plenty of homemade trap options, some of which work better than others. These have varying results, and some are designed for single use, while others may catch various rodents. If you decide to make your own trap, be aware that there is no guarantee of success.

Simple Mice Traps

Simple traps involve cardboard or heavy paper base, some form of containers (such as a tin can), bait, and a prop.

• The bait is placed under the container, which is then propped upright by anything from a toothpick to a quarter.
• When the mouse enters, the prop is knocked away and the container drops, trapping them.
• The trap and its base lid are then used to transport the mouse far from your home.

Multiple Traps

An example of multiple traps requires a large bucket, an empty can open at both ends, a dowel that is longer than the barrel, and a paint stick or other “ramp”.

• Drill holes in the bucket near the top and insert the dowel with the tin can in the middle.
• Smear peanut butter on the can and place your ramp.
• The mice will climb up and fall into the bucket while trying to reach the bait.
• The whole trap may then be used to transport the captive rodents.

Professional Extermination

In many cases, it is either easier or cheaper to hire a professional exterminator. In any case, it is best to deal with the rodent problem before they cause too much damage to your furniture.

This may save you time and money, depending upon the size of the infestation. As mice are one of the most common pests, it is easy to find an exterminator in your area.

What Should I Expect?

A professional exterminator will examine the house for runs, entry points, and other signs of infestation.

• Once they have identified an infestation and the type of rodent you have, they will seal off the entry points.
• Next, depending upon the severity of the infestation, they will either set traps or spray.
• Finally, most exterminators will do a follow-up visit to ensure the removal was complete.

What Are the Do’s and Don’ts to Get Rid of Mice?

Do’s:

• Knowing what rats prefer for nesting materials, nesting areas, how far they’ll travel and their daily needs.
• Figure out what mice are after and how they get things done, before you set your trap placements accordingly.
• Force the rodent into a squeeze play by placing objects in its way.
• Get rid of mice by depriving them of nesting areas, hiding places, food, and water. Without these fundamental requirements, mice will not be able to reproduce and spread on any area.
• If you have some pet food in the basement or garage, store them in a sealed container.
• Make sure all your groceries are well contained and sealed, so they do not attract mice.
• Know how mice get into your house or property and seal it up if there are holes, cracks or any possible point of entry.
• Block them or fill them up with cement or caulk or whatever works to prevent rodents from infesting your home.

Dont’s:

• Don’t put any person, pet or any non-target thing at risk with a wrong trap placement. This will prevent any accidents or injuries if done right.
• Also be mindful of mouse droppings and mouse urine because this can cause leptospirosis which is deadly to humans.
• Don’t limit yourself to traditional snap traps if you have some serious mice infestation.
• Know all the possible and available options such as mouse repellent, glue traps, mouse poison, and professional pest control.

How to Pevent Mice

The best pest control one can think of is prevention. Before you begin dealing with a mice infestation and look for solutions on how to get rid of mice, consider the following ideas on how to prevent mice invading your property in the first place.

1. Keep your property clean and tidy, with no organic debris lying around your yard, garden, or around the house.
2. Seal entry points like cracks and holes on the house’s exterior (entry points of pipes as well) with the help of caulk, steel wool, or both.
3. Regularly check the basement, attic, garage, crawl spaces, garden sheds, and so on. Seal all possible entry points and keep them clean, dry, and tidy at all times.
4. Screen vents and chimney openings.
5. Fix broken screens and add new ones on the interior of your house door and windows.
6. Dispose of the trash regularly.
7. Eliminate all food leftovers from the property, even pet food.
8. If you compost, keep your compost pile as far from the house as possible.
9. If you store firewood, keep the wood pile dry at all times and at least 20 feet away from the house.
10. Clean, trim, and cut back from the house the shrubery, plants, and trees.
11. Eliminate all moisture areas that can attract mice to nest and breed: leaking pipes, clogged drains, etc.
12. Store food in airtight containers.
13. When you arrive home, inspect all your grocery bags, boxes, etc.
14. If you identify loose mortar and weather stripping in the basement foundation area or around windows, replace them.
15. Invest in a cat that you know is able and willing to catch the occasional mouse.

Additional Resources

• Professional Wildlife Removal offers a current national directory of rodent exterminator services.
• Tomcat offers detailed information on rodent species and methods of extermination.
• For more information on the ongoing threat of bubonic plague, BBC News discusses the efforts to study mutations in the Y. pestis bacteria.
• The Mayo Clinic provides extensive information on HPS, including risk factors and other important information.
• You will find an extensive list of rodent-transmitted diseases on the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How to Get Rid of Mice: Summary