How to Get Rid of the Mice
- 1). Figure out where the mouse infestation is primarily concentrated. The kitchen and pantry are common places to find mice because of the abundance of food, but they can live in any part of the home. Signs of mouse activity include droppings, which are approximately the same size as a grain of rice, small holes chewed into cardboard or paper food containers and rustling or scratching sounds in the walls. You may even find a mouse's nest made of soft, shredded material in your attic, basement or behind appliances.
- 2). Clean your house thoroughly. Take out the trash, organize any clutter and wipe down or mop all surfaces including counter tops and floors. Mice thrive in a messy environment, so reducing dirt and clutter in your home will lower the likelihood of mice returning once you've eliminated them.
- 3). Place mouse-friendly foods such as cereals and oatmeal into sealed plastic containers. Pet food is also susceptible to mice; after your pets have finished eating, pick up any uneaten food and wash the bowls thoroughly. When you eliminate alternate food sources, the mice will be more likely to take the bait that you place on traps.
- 4). Set mouse traps in the areas where the mice live. Place a small amount of food such as peanut butter, bacon or dried fruit on the traps and place them on the floor close to walls and behind furniture and appliances. Check the traps frequently; if a mouse has been caught, wear disposable gloves when handling the body and throw it in the trash. Continue to reset the traps until a few weeks have gone by with no mice being caught.
- 5). Take precautionary measures against mice coming back into your home in the future. Seal any openings around pipes or cable wires and make sure that all your windows have screens. Take a look around the perimeter of your home to locate any mouse burrows, which are small holes that mice dig in the ground. If you find them, fill them with dirt and rocks. The goal is to block any possible opening that the mice previously used to gain entry into your house.
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