Mice can invade your home anytime and they can be very persistent. Mice are destructive, as they chew through wires, walls and insulation. That is not all. They also pose serious health risks. It is important to understand this pest if you are dealing with its infestation. In this article, you will find all the information about the best ways to get rid of mice infestation in your house and some signs you might notice if you have a mouse in your house. We have mentioned some effective methods to control this infestation in your house. Keep reading to find out.
Mice in the House: How Do They Get In?
Mice infestation can be a huge concern because mice are resourceful creatures. They can get into your house through an opening as small as a dime. Once inside, they will quickly search for food, warmth and shelter. There are some common entry points for mice such as cracks in the foundation or gaps around windows and doors. They can also get inside through pipe openings and utility lines. They multiply rapidly after getting inside the house, turning into a big problem.
How to Know if You Have a Mouse in Your House
There are some common signs that can indicate you have mice in your house. First of all you will find small, dark and round droppings around the house. Most often, you will find them near cupboards, baseboards or near food storage. Apart from that, you will see some gnaw marks on furniture, wires or other items. Furthermore, you will hear scratching or running noises at night. You will also find shredded paper or fabric in attics or behind appliances, as mice use them to build nests.
If you notice the above signs, then there is another method to confirm the presence of mice in your house. Take some flour or talcum powder and sprinkle it around the house on surfaces and floors. If you see some tiny footprints or tail marks appear in the powder, then you have mice in the house.
Signs of a Bad Mice Infestation
If the infestation is severe, then you may notice some signs. You might see mice in the house more often. Mice are active only at night, but if their population has increased, you might see them, running around in the house all day. Mice leave a foul odor wherever they go. You will feel it everywhere in your house in case of severe infestation. Mice destroy everything by chewing on cardboard and plastic bags to obtain food. Therefore, you will find damaged food packages in your house. Even your pets may behave differently if they sense mice in the house. You will find your pets staring at walls or sniffing cabinets if they detect the presence of mice.
Are House Mice Dangerous?
Yes, mice are dangerous because they pose risks to your health and house. Mice can transfer several diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. These diseases can be transmitted through their urine, saliva or droppings. Mice can trigger asthma or allergies in sensitive individuals. Moreover, mice can cause house fires by chewing through electrical wiring.
All of these are very serious risks, therefore it is crucial to remove mice from the house before they become a hazard.
How to Remove Mice from Your House
Once you find out that you have mice in your house, the next step is to get rid of them. You can use several methods for that purpose, for example traps, poison and natural methods. Following are a few of the best ways to remove mice from your house.
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Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice
Getting rid of mice requires a combination of preventive measures and effective control methods. The best way to get rid of mice is to block all small holes and gaps in your home. You can also use peppermint oil, traps, and keep your house clean to stop them from coming. Storing food properly and removing clutter will help keep mice away. In this article, we discuss 5 home remedies on how to get rid of mice.
Mouse Traps
The most commonly used method for removing mice is mouse traps. They come in different types, so you need to make sure you choose the right one. A cheap option is snap traps. They shut when the mouse triggers them. They are easy to set up and work really well. Another option is glue traps. Mouse sticks to them but doesn’t die instantly, so they can be inhumane. A better and humane option is an electronic trap. It delivers a quick and lethal shock to the mouse, killing it instantly.
If you do not want to kill the mouse, then you can use a live trap. It captures the mouse alive. You can release the mouse alive after capture. Make sure to release the mouse far away from the house, so that it does not enter your house again.
Poison (Rodenticides)
You can use rodenticides, chemical-based poisons for killing mice. They are available in the form of pellets or bait blocks. Place them in areas where mice frequent and leave them around the house for mice to consume. Poison is highly effective but it can be dangerous for children and pets. It can cause serious harm if ingested. Furthermore, mice may die in difficult-to-reach places after consuming poison. If you cannot remove the dead mice immediately, it may lead to an unpleasant odor.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices can be useful for removing mice. They release high-frequency sounds that scare the mice away. However, scientific evidence suggests that the mice get used to this sound over time. Therefore, they cannot be a reliable option for the long-term.
Natural Repellents
There are some natural repellents for removing mice as some people prefer them. They are safe for pets and children. Some of the options are as follows:
- An effective option is peppermint oil. It has a strong scent that scares mice. You can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the house.
- Mice cannot chew steel wool, so you can fill holes and entry points with steel wool. It will stop mice from entering the house.
- Finally, another option is ammonia. Its odor resembles the urine of predators. Therefore, mice avoid the area where they can smell ammonia.
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Professional Extermination
Above mentioned methods might work for two or three mice, however if the infestation is severe then you must seek professional help. Professional exterminators use strong pesticides and some advanced techniques tailored to your needs. They can effectively get rid of severe infestation immediately.
How to Prevent Mice from Returning
After removing the mice successfully you need to make sure they never return. For that, you need to adopt some preventive methods. You need to keep your yard clean by trimming the shrubs and tall grass. Also, remove debris, as it serves as a nest for mice. Furthermore, regularly block the entry points for mice by repairing damage. Finally, install door sweeps in your house, so that mice cannot sneak inside under the doors.
Mice can be a hazard but using effective methods and keeping your house clean can prevent them from entering your house. Don’t hesitate to contact professionals in case of severe infestation and keep your house mouse-free.