How Do I Get Rid of Mice in My House?

Just like rats, mice are always on the lookout for somewhere nice and cozy to shelter, as well as a plentiful source of food. That’s what makes your house a prime target for a mouse invasion.

While they might look cute, these furry little critters can cause havoc in your house. They gnaw through wiring, spread germs, and their droppings can cause or worsen asthma and allergies.

One little mouse may not cause you too much concern, but if you’ve seen one, it’s very likely that there is more than one scurrying around in your home, because they breed fast.

Do I have a mice infestation in my home?

You might see the odd mouse, but they are usually nocturnal, so if you haven’t seen one but you suspect they are in your home, these are the signs that you have a mice infestation.

• You’ll hear them scuttling and scratching around inside of walls and under floorboards.
• You’ll see droppings, which are often located near food sources and access points, so you might find them in cupboards, on kitchen work surfaces, or next to skirting boards. Droppings are dark brown or black and they are about the size of a grain of rice.
• You’ll notice gnaw marks on everything from furniture to food packaging.
• You might see footprints or tracks, especially in dusty areas.  
• Does your cat seem excitable? Or is your dog suddenly interested in a particular area of the house? They might have seen, or more likely smelled a mouse.
• You might find a nest made of things that the mice have collected, like fabric or paper. Check areas like the corners of your loft or in the dark and dusty areas behind your kitchen appliances that rarely see the light of day.

So how do I get rid of mice in my house?

We always say that prevention is better than cure when it comes to keeping pests out of your home and preventing an infestation. You should:

Try to find out where the mice are getting in

This will help you block up those areas, then decide where’s best to put down traps.

Invest in some traps

If you are pretty sure you’re only dealing with one or two mice, invest in a few traps. There are several different types on the market, including humane reusable traps that don’t use glue or poison.

Seal up any holes or gaps

Pest-proof your home by sealing up any obvious gaps or cracks in walls and pipes with caulk or steel wool. Mice can get through the tiniest of openings.

Store all of your food in airtight containers

Dry foods like cereal and even pet food that’s been left out can attract mice, so make sure that you transfer it to an airtight container once it’s opened.

What if I already have an infestation?

If it’s too late and you think you have a mice problem that you just can’t handle, you need to call in the professionals.

At Contego, our highly-trained technicians have the best products, kit, know-how, and experience to get your pest problem under control, fast. We’ll also be able to advise you on how to pest-proof your home against future infestations.

Do you have a problem with mice in your house?

Contact us for fast, effective, pest control that you can trust.