How to Get Rid of Mice Effectively

Remove entry points to keep rodents (rats, mice, chipmunks) from getting into the home and other buildings. This step is crucial to removing an infestation in the home. Prevent rodents from entering the structure by checking the eaves (if safe to do so) and foundation for openings where the animals could enter. Field mice can enter openings smaller than an inch. Secure these openings bearing in mind that rodents can chew through many materials including soft wood panels or thin metal.

Plug holes with steel wool as a quick fix. Shut or screen windows and close doors to prevent mice from accessing these entries. Remove any material and clutter the rodents could nest in. Create uninviting structures without rodent resources for nesting or food. Secure anything that may be considered a food source such as bird and animal feed, as well as household garbage, in chew-proof bins. Strict sanitation procedures are key to success. Rodents can easily chew through plastic containers and lids unless the plastic is quite thick. Spray the plastic containers with chew prevention sprays or a hot pepper solution. Take liquid hot sauce and strain it. Use a 1-to-4 ratio of hot pepper and water in a spray bottle.

Use peppermint oil as a scent repellent (particularly in outbuildings). Grocery stores carry this product. Add the oil to balls of cotton or cloth and place them close to rodent activity, near runs, entry points and eaves. Place these balls in the attic eaves and outside the foundation or the peppermint scent will permeate the home. Use predator urine around the perimeter of the foundation, but this is more costly. Both of these scent repellents are only useful in light infestations.

Purchase an ultrasonic repeller to deter the rodents. Remove or turn off the repeller periodically to prevent rodents becoming desensitized to it. Do not use repellers if you have rodent pets in the home such as hamsters or gerbils.

Use live catch traps if the infestation is established, or if it is impossible to secure the building adequately. Deploy scent repellents in conjunction with the traps. Do not use sticky traps as they cause suffering for the captured wildlife.

Bait a live catch trap with seed/grain, peanuts or dry pet food. Place one or more traps along rodent runs and near entry points in the home or building. Check the trap daily and release the animal. Consult wildlife laws to check the legality for releasing rodents in your state, or the animals will need to be released on your property or humanely killed.

Use rodenticides and instant kill traps as options in severe infestations. Set commercial poison baits with care if they are used inside the home and in any building where domestic animals or children enter. Place the baits away from food, pet food or areas where food is prepared. Poisoned rodents are toxic to pets and wildlife. Remove deceased rodents immediately to prevent other pets and animals from eating the body.