Unfortunately, if you have noticed a mouse running through your house at night, there are probably many more hiding somewhere. If you notice mouse droppings on your counters or in cabinets, do not think it is single mouse or that it has left the building. Now is the time to take action. Get rid of the mice already in the building and keep more from getting inside. Here are a few tips to help you do that.
Block all Entrances
The first thing you must do is go through the house and block all the places a mouse can get inside. This means checking around the plumbing pipes that come through the walls and sealing up any cracks or holes in the siding or foundation. In addition, make sure that all doors have a door sweep on the bottom and weather stripping around it. Don't forget to put a fine screen in the top of the chimney and in the attic exhaust fan too. You should also check the roof and eaves to make sure that the mice can't get in from the top too.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Mice need food and water to survive. Even a small crumb can be enough food to attract them. Clean all your counters, floors, and cupboards. However, you also need to make sure that there is no moisture on the pipes. If there is, wrap them with foam that will deter the critters. It is also important to keep any piles of leaves or wood away from the side of the house t keep them from nesting in there and scooting inside the house to find food and water.
Traps and Bait
Once you are sure that all entrances are sealed, it is time to get rid of any mice already in the house. You can choose to use traps or bait to do this. You may even want to use both if you fear you have an infestation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have small children or pets, bait can be dangerous. You do not want a family member to get hold of the poison and et it. Even if you think you have placed it somewhere unreachable, accidents do happen. As for traps, it will be up to you to choose between live traps or ones that kill the mice. Be prepared to empty the traps regardless of the type.
If you have tried everything, and still find you have mice inside, it is time to contact a professional mouse control company. You can work with the company to make sure your home stays rodent free. Check out sites like https://www.dontgivepestsachance.com/ for more information.