Mice are primarily attracted to food, water, and shelter. If your property has potential nesting materials and food, it becomes more attractive to mice.
While they may seem adorable to some, these rodents can cause structural damage and pose a handful of health risks to you, your family, and your pets.
When mice enter your walls, you must take immediate action to prevent future headaches.
Signs That You Have Mice in the Walls
Here are some signs you have a mouse infestation in your home:
- Gnaw or Scratch Marks: Bite/scratch marks or holes in your walls may indicate mice.
- Droppings: Mouse droppings resemble small dark seeds, have a granular shape, and are commonly found near nesting areas like behind the cabinets, under the sinks, or around wall corners.
- Food Crumbs or Debris: Mice chew through food packaging and leave behind debris and will feed on anything left out in the open.
- Mouse Noise: This includes rustling or clawing sounds, especially at night.
- Nests: Mice chew through clothes, shredded paper, and other soft, shredded materials to build their nests.
- Odd Pet Behavior: Constant barking or pawing under furniture or appliances may indicate a mouse infestation in your home.
How Do Mice Get Into My Property?
Mice enter homes seeking warmth, nesting materials, and food to survive, especially in winter. Some of the most common ways mice enter your home include:
- Gaps and holes around utility pipes
- Small cracks in the foundation
- Doors that are left open
- Crevices on the floor
- Openings in the ceiling
- Openings as small as a dime
Sealing these entry points prevents mice from entering your home.
How to Get Mice Out of the Walls
Take action against mice before your home becomes a breeding ground.
Traps
There are a few ways to trap mice:
- Snap Traps/Spring-Loaded Traps: These are typically made of wood or metal and use a quick snapping mechanism that kills rodents instantly upon contact.
- Electric Traps: These deliver a high voltage lethal electric shock, killing mice within a few seconds.
- Live-Catch Traps: After the mice are lured into the trap with a food bait, the door snaps closed, and the mice will be unable to escape.
- Glue Traps: These catch the mice in the glue and immobilize them.
Traps produce fast results and are very effective. However, they can sometimes be messy and you often need multiple traps to catch one mouse.
Bait
Bait stations contain poison meal or pellets that attract mice. When rodents eat the poison, they die within 24-48 hours. Some other baits used to lure mice include:
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter
Bait stations produce fast results and are effective, but tend to be expensive and inhumane. The use of poison is risky for homes with pets and children.
Repellants
Various natural repellents have a powerful aroma, helping keep mice away from your property:
- Essential Oils: Soak some cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you suspect mouse activity.
- Fabric Softener Sheets: Stuffing dryer sheets into mouse entry points can keep mice out.
- Natural Mouse Predators: Cats are mouse predators and emit a scent that deters mice.
- Ultrasonic Sound Units: Ultrasonic devices produce a sound that keeps mice away. The frequency is imperceptible to humans, making it a safe option for your and your family.
Natural repellants are humane, eco-friendly and effective. Some repellants may require re-application, and it may be a while before you see results.
Tips to Prevent a Mouse Infestation
Here are some tips to keep mice from invading your property and prevent an infestation:
- Identify their entry points and seal any openings with caulk and steel wool.
- Keep food items in mouse-proof containers, and do not leave pet food out in the open
- Remove any clutter such as old paper boxes, packages, or fabrics
- Consider using natural mouse repellents like essential oils and apple cider vinegar
- Use trash bins with tight-fitting lids
- Set up humane traps with bait
- Try ultrasonic deterrent units
- Contact a local and dependable pest control team for quick and effective mouse control
The Takeaway
A mouse infestation can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, especially when well established. Get mice out of your walls and prevent them from coming back with the help of Phenom Pest Control.
Call now to schedule an inspection and get a free quote!
