It is always a nightmare when you discover rat or mouse droppings in your house. Chances are, as soon as you see one mouse, there’s usually an entire family walking around! In this case, it is essential to know how to safely get rid of mice in your home and keep them away. Not only are they a nuisance, and cause damage to your property, but they also carry a range of diseases that can put your family’s health at risk.
Now that you have unwanted visitors, how do you get rid of mice in your home? Knowing how to get rid of mice in your home can seem like a very delicate task, especially if you don’t want the traditional method of placing traps everywhere. But, there are safe and humane methods that are no less effective in eliminating mice.
So if you want a rodent-free haven, follow these steps on how to get rid of mice in your home for good.
If you have other unwanted pests in your home, be sure to check out How to get rid of ants And How to get rid of cockroaches quickly.
1. Eliminate all entry points
As outdoor temperatures change, mice make their way inside homes in search of shelter and warmth. They can usually fit into spaces as small as inches, so it’s important to find any potential entry points in the home they might come through. These can include holes or gaps in brickwork, base plates, and around pipes and vents. Seal entry points by sealing any small holes in your foundation, sides, and entryway with caulk or weather stripping such as Foam Sealing Tape, Door Seal Tape ($13, Amazon), as a barrier.
2. Remove all food sources
Besides finding a warm sanctuary, mice need constant food sources to maintain. This means that once they know where to find food, they will keep coming back for more. Remove any crumbs or food sources from kitchen countertops and floors, and always clean up any spills or messes right away. Seal all potential food sources in tamper-resistant glass or metal containers, which make them difficult for mice to chew on or reach. Avoid leaving pet food out for long periods, as this will attract rodents. It is necessary to maintain good sanitation, knowledge How to clean every room in your house.
3. Elimination of nesting areas
Mice live in warm nesting areas, and you will often find materials in your home to make their nest. Make sure all fabrics, rugs, and blankets are stored away, and throw away cardboard, paper, or other recyclable materials. It is common for mice to chew on cardboard, paper, or light plastic to make their nests. Plus, remove any clutter, and make your space as clear as possible. For more tips, check out How do you arrange your home In 5 steps.
4. Buy mousetraps
Trapping is the fastest way to get rid of mice, but you may have to set several traps to catch a few. There are fast and effective traditional wooden traps, although you will have to get rid of the dead mouse. Or you can buy the most humane live traps that can get rid of mice without poisoning or harming pests. Mousetraps “catch and release” are large boxes that allow mice to enter without exiting. One popular option on Amazon is the human mouse trap ($12.99 for a set of two).
Once you catch a mouse, you need to release it at least a mile from your home, or it will find its way back. In any case, this is the most humane and safest option. You can feed the traps with peanut butter, seeds, nuts or dried fruits.
5. Place the traps correctly
Although it may seem simple enough, there is an effective way to place mousetraps around the house. Place traps anywhere you see mice or signs such as rodent droppings or “rubbing” on baseboards and walls. Place the traps perpendicular to the walls, with the trigger section facing the base plate. This will cause the mouse to hit the bait directly as it lunges along the walls, rather than running over the trap. Typically, mice do not travel more than 10 or 20 feet from their food sources and nesting areas.
6. Ultrasound sound
Usually, mice are afraid of sound and ultrasound sounds. Ultrasound units emit high-frequency waves that mice find uncomfortable, but humans and pets can’t hear. Although they may not be as effective as baiting, ultrasound units like the Bell + Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Home Kit ($19, Amazon), may be a good deterrent to keep mice from coming back.
7. Aromatherapy with scents
Rats have a very strong sense of smell, much stronger than humans. So you can try these natural options to get rid of mice around the house. Cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, drying leaves, clove oil, peppermint, tea bags, mint toothpaste, ammonia, cloves, and cayenne pepper are usually averse to mice. Make a solution of apple cider vinegar and water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray around the perimeter of your home, as well as any indoor access points. Similarly, soak cotton balls with essential oils, then stick them in any holes or entry points. Remember that these will need to be reapplied once the smell is gone.
8. Get a cat
This may sound cliched, but cats are one of the most effective rat deterrents. If you don’t have a cat or the owner doesn’t allow pets, simply borrow one from a friend! The key is to place basins of used cat litter at the entrances to your home. Since rats can smell ammonia from cat urine, they may think there is a predator there and won’t come back.
With all that said, if you have a rat infestation on your hands, you’ll need to call in the exterminators right away. They have been professionally trained to deal with rodents and will advise you on the best course of action on how to get rid of mice.
How do you know how many mice you have?
The main indicator is whether you see an excessive amount of droppings in key areas. This may mean that you share your home with more than one or two mice. In fact, the most likely place to find droppings is the kitchen or eating areas where food sources are likely.
Where do mice hide during the day?
If you are wondering why mice are so rare to spot during the day, it is because they sleep hidden in their nests. These are generally made of soft materials such as shredded paper, cardboard, dielectric, or cotton. Mice usually build their nests in enclosed, undisturbed spaces, including unused drawers. So always clean any unused and uncrowded storage spaces.
Do you deal with unwelcome guests in your backyard, too? Here’s how to get rid of moles without damaging them. You may also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any in the house. Also find out the 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean With Baking Soda Also Can I Use Barley Vinegar For Cleaning? – This is the best vinegar for cleaning.
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