How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home

How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home

Mice are one of the most common household pests in Central Illinois, especially during the cooler months when they seek warmth and shelter indoors. If you have confirmed a mouse problem, here is how to address it effectively.

Confirm the Problem

Before taking action, confirm that you are actually dealing with mice. Look for droppings (small, dark pellets about the size of a grain of rice), gnaw marks on food packaging or wood, nesting material (shredded paper, fabric, or insulation), and scratching or rustling sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night.

Set Traps

Snap traps are one of the most effective and humane methods for catching mice. Place traps along walls, behind appliances, and in areas where you have found droppings or other signs of activity. Bait traps with peanut butter, chocolate, or nesting material. Set multiple traps, as a mouse population is almost never just one mouse.

Seal Entry Points

Trapping alone will not solve a mouse problem if new mice can continue to enter your home. Inspect your home carefully for gaps and openings, remembering that mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Seal gaps with steel wool, caulk, hardware cloth, or metal flashing. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, wires, vents, and the roofline.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Secure garbage in tightly lidded cans. Fix leaky pipes and faucets that provide water sources for mice.

Clean Up Nesting Areas

Remove clutter from storage areas, garages, and basements where mice like to build nests. Store items in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, which mice can chew through and use as nesting material.

When to Call a Professional

If your mouse problem is persistent, if you are hearing mice in your walls, or if you are not comfortable setting traps, professional rodent control is the most effective option. Terminix offers comprehensive rodent control services including trapping, exclusion, and prevention. Contact us today for a free inspection.