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How to Get Rid of Mice
In the fall, rodents such as rats and mice start to migrate indoors to seek shelter from the cold winter weather. Unfortunately, residential homes seem to be the place of choice for these little critters to migrate to. If you were unlucky enough to find new rodent house guests in your house this winter, we have compiled some of our most effective tips and tricks on how to get rid of mice from your home.
First and foremost, you need to have a general idea of how many mice you’re dealing with. Removing large colonies of mice, and removing a few mice use much of the same tactics but at the same time, removal strategies can vary depending on the rodent population. You also want to make sure it is indeed mice that are inside of your home. Many insects and other rodents can create similar sounds and damage to mice, but require different removal techniques all together.
Once you have determined it is in fact mice that are living in your home, you have a few options. If you’ve been itching to get yourself a cat, this would be a good time to do so. But remember, not all cats are interested in hunting, so be selective in your choosing. In most cases though, people aren’t going to run out and buy a cat to aid them of their mouse infestation. It just isn’t very practical.
One of the most common methods for getting rid of mice is by catching them with traps. The most popular, and most identifiable of these devices is the snap trap. This has been a staple of consumer grade mouse trapping equipment for decades. You simply load the metal trap arm and place bait in its designated area, place it in front of a known mouse inhabited area and wait. There are also glue traps and live traps that are considered slightly more humane, and can allow for release into the wild once caught. We recommend using cheese with peanut butter to attract mice to your trap.
The issue with removing mice with traps is that it may allow the surviving mice to become healthier with less competition for food around your home. Thus, allowing them to breed faster and worsen your situation. Another method, which deters mice out of the home is to soak peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them around the areas where you believe mice frequent, as well as around any cracks or holes in walls and floorboards. Also try and stick steel wool inside all possible entries, or even place snake excrement (found at pet stores) or kitty litter in those areas to create a sense of danger for the mice living in your home. They will believe a predator is living with them and force them to vacate somewhere safer, outside of your space.
Once you believe you’re rid of your mice infestation, seal off entries such as gas lines, air conditioning ventilation and any holes around your home (anything as small as your finger and larger). Mice are agile creatures, and can squeak through some of the most confined spaces. Also make sure to keep your home clean! Keep food contained in either sealed metal or glass products, move all garbage to sealed bins outside of the home, and be vigilant to not leave food scraps and garbage around to attract rodents. If they have nothing to feed off of, they won’t be inclined to stay in your home.
Another great tool is modern mice repellent technology. Many hardware stores sell electronic beeping machines which send out a specific high pitched frequency throughout an area of a home which mice cannot stand. This will help deter mice from your home. These devices are safe for pets and small children, and are inaudible to the naked ear. Meaning you won’t hear anything, only the mice will!
If you’re still having issues getting rid of mice from your home, call us at 905-425-0589 or contact us today for a free quote and expert assessment of your rodent situation!