Got a mouse problem in your walls? Don’t let these tiny trespassers take over your peace of mind. To get rid of mice in your walls, you must identify their entry points, block them off, set traps, and use deterrents.
Keep reading to learn other essential tips for staying mouse-free.
Key Takeaways
- Identifying signs of mice, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and noises, is the first step to effective mouse control.
- Sealing entry points and removing food and water sources can prevent new mice from entering and staying in your home.
- Various trapping methods, including snap traps and bait stations, are effective for capturing mice currently in your walls.
- If DIY methods fail, professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions to eliminate severe infestations.
1. Identify Signs of Activity
Identifying telltale signs of mice is crucial to addressing the problem. As homeowners, common indicators you must look out for include mouse droppings that look small and black and resemble rice grains.
For gnaw marks, you must also check wooden structures, storage boxes, electrical wires, and drywall. Listen for house mouse squeaking or scurrying sounds within the walls, especially at night when they’re most active.
2. Seal Entry Points
To prevent new mice from entering your home, follow these sealing instructions:
- Check for Small Holes: Look around baseboards, closets, and crawl spaces.
- Use Steel Wool: Stuff it into holes before sealing it with caulk.
- Repair Drywall: Patch up any holes or cracks in the walls and ceiling.
3. Remove Food and Water Sources
Mice are often in search of food sources and water, so eliminating these sources can make your home less attractive in the first place.
Here’s how to create an environment that’s no longer inviting to them:
- Store Food in Airtight Containers: Prevent access to pet food and pantry items.
- Clean Up: Throw away food remnants or crumbs in the trash can.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any dripping pipes or faucets to eliminate water sources.
4. Set Up Mouse Traps
Setting up mouse traps is one of the most effective DIY pest control methods for catching mice. Various types of bait traps you can place inside bait stations are available, such as:
| Types of Bait Traps | Description | Ideal Bait |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Traps | Traditional and effective | Peanut Butter |
| Glue Traps | Sticky boards that trap mice | Peanut Butter or Pet Food |
| Live Traps | For humane capture and release | Cheese or Dry Pet Food |
5. Repel with Natural Methods
Natural mouse repellents can be safer alternatives to help deter mice. However, they may not be effective for moderate to severe mouse infestations.
As a result, the use of these natural repellents can be part of a comprehensive mice control strategy:
- Peppermint Oil: Place soaked cotton balls near potential entry points.
- White Vinegar: Spray in areas frequented by mice.
- Cloves and Cayenne Pepper: Scatter near entry points.
6. Use Commercial Products
Commercial products offer additional ways to get rid of these critters. However, they should be used cautiously, especially in homes with pets and children.
Products like rodenticides are poison baits in stations where you place traps. Meanwhile, electronic repellents are ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds that disrupt a mouse’s sensitive hearing.
7. Clean Up Your Walls
After addressing the mice problem, cleaning up is essential to prevent diseases and secondary mouse infestations. This involves:
- Disposing of any trapped or dead mice appropriately.
- Using disinfectant to clean areas where mice were active.
- Fixing any gnawed baseboards, electrical wires, and drywall.
8. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company
When DIY methods fail, hiring pest control services may be necessary for rodent control. They have the tools and expertise to handle severe rodent problems effectively.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, here’s how our exterminators get rid of them:
| Services | Details |
|---|---|
| Evaluations | Comprehensive assessments to identify rodent access points, travel routes, and nesting locations. |
| Sealant Application | Sealing gaps and fortifying areas prone to rodent entry, such as attics and around HVAC units. |
| Rodent Trapping | Placement of strategic traps and baits to effectively capture these small rodents. |
| Attic Treatment | Application of specialized dust and baits in the attic to prevent rodent damage. |
| Sanitization | Thorough cleaning to eliminate odors from rodent-affected zones. |
| Guarantee | Commitment to resolving any subsequent problems at no additional cost within a year of the initial treatment. |
IS IT TIME TO CALL THE EXPERTS?
Sometimes, dealing with mice in the walls can be more than a DIY project. If traps and bait don’t seem to be working and mice keep coming back, you might need help from pest control professionals.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or the New Orleans area, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s mice control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about the areas we service, visit our location page.