How to Deal With a Mouse Infestation

Once you're sure you have a mouse problem, you have several choices for getting rid of them. While the old-school snap mousetrap is an option, it's better to try not to kill the mice. There are several humane methods you can try first, like sonic devices and bait stations. If you have pets, they can also help keep mice away. Pets, especially cats, can be natural deterrents to mice, making your home less inviting to these unwanted guests.

For a humane approach to controlling a mouse infestation, sprinkle HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth around your home's entry points and problem areas.

Sonic devices work by making a high-frequency sound that humans can't hear but is really annoying to small animals like mice. Putting these devices near where you think the mice are getting in or nesting can keep them away, as well as other pests like insects and rats. This method might not always work perfectly, but it's a good first step and doesn't hurt the mice. It's an environmentally friendly option that can be used in various parts of your home without causing any inconvenience to your family.

Traditional snap-traps are pretty harsh. A more humane option is kill-free traps, which are also affordable and easy to use. These traps, also known as bait stations, are set up with a tasty treat inside, like peanut butter or something sweet. When a mouse goes in for the food, the door closes, trapping it safely until you can release it outside. Remember to check these traps every day, so any trapped mouse doesn't go without food. However, this might not be the best solution if you have a lot of mice since you can only catch one at a time. It's important to release the trapped mice far from your home to prevent them from returning.

For a non-lethal solution to your mouse problem, set up Catchmaster Rat & Mouse Glue Traps.

A great way to deal with mice is to stop them from getting into your house in the first place. Mice can squeeze through tiny holes, so it's important to seal any gaps you find. Caulk and steel wool are great for this. Just remember that mice can chew through or remove steel wool by itself, so it's best to cover it with caulk. Regular inspection and maintenance of these sealed points are crucial to ensure they remain effective over time.

If you've got mice inside, they're probably hanging out around your property too. Take a look outside for places where mice might be hiding, like in sheds, garages, or outbuildings. You might see gnaw marks where they've gotten in. Compost bins are also a big draw for mice because they're warm and full of food. Regularly cleaning these areas and removing debris can make your property less attractive to mice.

Overgrown shrubs and trees can give mice a perfect place to hide. They might build nests in thick vegetation or use it to get into your house. Branches that reach your house can also give mice a way to get to higher entry points like roofs and upper windows. Keeping your garden well-maintained and trimming any overhanging branches can significantly reduce the likelihood of mice using vegetation to access your home.

Keeping mice away also means cutting off their food supply. Mice won't stick around if they can't find food easily. Store your food properly in airtight containers. Mice can get into food stored in high cupboards or behind closed doors, often entering from the back by gnawing through wooden cabinets. This not only prevents mice from accessing food but also helps maintain the freshness and hygiene of your stored food.

A clean house is less inviting to mice. They only come in if they can find food. By keeping your house clean and free of food waste and crumbs, you lower the chances of a mouse infestation. Pay special attention to your kitchen, making sure to sweep floors and disinfect countertops. Regularly clean out places where you store food like pantries and larders. A clean environment also promotes better health and well-being for you and your family.

If you think you have mice, try to figure out how they're getting in. Mice can fit through really small spaces. They might be coming in through gaps in the floorboards, walls, or ceilings, or around windows and doors. Don't forget to check less obvious places like your basement and attic. Identifying and sealing these entry points can be a crucial step in preventing future infestations.

Once you identify their entry points, use Grandpa Gus's Extra-Strength Mouse Repellent to create a natural barrier that deters mice with its potent peppermint and cinnamon formula.

If you've tried everything and still have mice, it might be time to call in the pros. Ask around for recommendations for a good exterminator. Make sure they're licensed and insured, and find out if they guarantee their work. Talk to them about their methods to make sure you're comfortable with their approach, and check if they use anything that could be harmful to kids or pets. A professional can provide a more comprehensive solution, especially in cases of severe infestations.

Essential oils like peppermint and clove oil can be a great way to keep mice away. The strong smell of these oils is overwhelming for mice, even though humans might find it pleasant. Put cotton balls soaked in these oils around your house to create a barrier that mice won't want to cross. This natural method is safe and can be used in various areas of your home without worrying about toxic effects.

Cats are nature's way of dealing with mice. They're great hunters and can really cut down on mouse activity in your home. Even if you don't have a cat, just the smell of cat litter can scare mice away. Put used cat litter in areas where you have a mouse problem to let them know a predator is nearby. This method uses the natural instincts of cats to create an environment that is unwelcoming to mice.

You can make your own mouse traps with things you have at home. For example, you can use a bucket with some bait and a ramp to create a trap that mice can fall into but can't get out of. Another option is the glass and coin trap, which is a clever and harmless way to catch mice. These DIY methods can be a fun and engaging way to address the problem, using your creativity and resources at hand.

Mice can get through tiny gaps, but they hate steel wool. Its rough texture is hard for them to chew through. By filling small openings with steel wool, you can keep mice from getting in. It's a simple and cheap way to protect your home from these little intruders. This method is particularly effective in areas where mice are likely to enter, such as near pipes and vents.

Mice are attracted to homes where they can find food easily. By keeping your kitchen super clean, you can make it less appealing to them. Make sure to clean up crumbs right away, wash dishes immediately, and store food securely. A spotless kitchen not only looks great but also tells mice there's nothing for them there. Over time, they'll have to look elsewhere for food. This approach not only deters mice but also contributes to a healthier living environment for you and your family.