How do I Control an Infestation of Mice?

An infestation of mice usually requires a range of safeguards to help control and eventually eliminate the pests. You can use various types of traps, or you can contact an exterminator who specializes in rodents. Either of these methods may work temporarily, but to make sure the infestation does not become a recurring problem, you will have to improve the environment by eliminating access points the mice are using for entry and increase sanitation.

Mice are attracted indoors for a variety of reasons. They may be seeking shelter, a place to raise their young, or a food supply. You need to try to determine how they are getting inside, and take steps to block their entry. Mice often come in through cracks in baseboards or holes that surround water pipes. These cracks and holes should ideally be sealed with concrete, but anything that is gnaw proof and has a flat surface will usually suffice.

Sometimes an infestation of mice is caused by unsanitary conditions in or around a dwelling. If you are leaving garbage outdoors, make sure the garbage bags are well wrapped and free of holes or tears. In addition, garbage cans should have lids that seal; otherwise, the mice will be attracted by the odor from the garbage inside.

If you already have mice inside your dwelling, do not make it easy for them to feed. Make sure any food items that must be left outside of cabinets are in sealed containers, preferably constructed of gnaw proof materials. If you have pet feeding bowls, you should dispose of any uneaten food, including small bits that might have spilled outside the bowls.

Another thing you can do to help control an infestation of mice is to eliminate any areas that might make good nesting places. Mice like to burrow down in papers and boxes, usually in areas that do not see a lot of traffic, such as closets or basements. If you have an infestation of mice, it might be a good time to do a complete cleaning, including closets and basements.

In most cases, controlling an infestation of mice will ultimately require that you set traps or put out poison. Both methods are usually inexpensive, and usually everything you need can be purchased at hardware stores. You can buy traps that kill the mice, or if you prefer, several types of live capture traps are also available. If you decide to use poison, remember that it can be dangerous to both people and pets, so be sure it is placed in an area that is only accessible to the rodents.