To some point in your life, the chances of encountering a rodent infestation is culpable. Rodents are procreating at a rapid rate and this leads to many areas of the world being infested by mice. However, the right knowledge will allow you to get rid of these mice and continue with a life that does not include rodent infestations.
I have struggled with mice and rats for a time now and have learned some of the techniques and tips, has helped a lot of with ridding the home or building of them. In this guide, we explore some of the signs or rodent infestations, while also guiding you with the right tips that can rid your building of rodents and other infestations.
Signs of Mice Infestations
Before it is possible to get rid of the mice, the infestation needs to be detected. There are a couple of signs inside and outside a building that could give away the presence of mice. Fortunately, these are quite common and universal, making it easy to detect them once you know how.
Here is what you need to look for if you think you have a rodent infestation:
Signs of Rodent Infestation inside the Building
- Droppings: One of the first signs is the droppings of the rodents. Depending on the rodents, these can be small droppings, while gradually becoming larger depending on the species. The droppings are commonly found around food sources.
- Urine Odors: Urine odors of mice won’t have the same foul smell that we expect from pets like cats. They are subtle, but as the infestation grows, these urine odors will become more prominent.
- Holes: Mouse holes are not as clean as you would expect them to be. The movies give us a false sense of how clean mice are. You can find small holes around your walls or in wooden furniture with small marks for the rodents to fit through
- Rub and Gnawed Marks: Once pets have been eliminated, one can easily seem small gnaw marks around the area. Shredded papers and other materials that mice can use as shelter are a common sign that an infestation is around.
- Rodent Runways: On most slippery or solid surfaces, one can detect these small strips of space that rodents choose to use when they are moving about. These will generally be more prominent as the rodent infestation grows.
- Rodent Nests: Chances are that you won’t commonly find the nest without a little searching. However, you might find some signs of a nest, including sound through your walls or within your furniture.
- Scampering Noises: Rodents are not the quietest of animals and while they try to be, you will eventually hear them scampering around if the infestation is left unchecked. However, you need great hearing about this.
- Pet Behavior: Different pets will behave differently when you have an infestation. Cats are some of the best animals to monitor and they tend to be around the same location often. This allows them to catch the mice if possible.
- Seeing a Mouse: Finally, you can potentially see a mouse around the home. This can either be a dead mouse or one that is alive. Once you notice the first mouse, it is important to do some investigation.
Signs Of Rodent Infestation Outside The Building
- Gnaw Marks On Garden Furniture: Most rodents don’t like being outdoors, but if they have a nest outdoors, you might find some of your furniture full of holes or other gnaw marks, especially if the furniture is hardly ever used.
- Droppings: It can be hard to spot at first, but when it is not cleaned, the droppings can be more prominent. This is generally found on a patio or on solid surfaces that the mice use to move around.
- Holes: Mice will commonly try to find the shortest path to their food sources and this means they will try to get inside your house. You might find small holes on the outside of the building leading in.
- Odors Form Unused Areas: Homes vary from design to style and this leaves many large homes with hidden areas that are never used. Since the mice will like these areas, they are commonly found to leave urine and dropping odors.
How Do Mice Get In Your Property?
Mice are generally small and this makes it possible for them to squeeze through small hole and cracks. These cracks can allow the mouse to easily get inside your home without too much effort. There are a couple of ways or weaknesses in your home that the mice will exploit if they want to enter.
Here is a small breakdown of these weaknesses:
Cracks (Wall or Ceiling)
Cracks in your walls or your ceiling can be used to burrow through by the mice. Since this is small weakness in the structure, it won’t take the rodents as long to gnaw through and eventually find their way inside a building.
Open Windows
Believe it or not, but mice are nifty little creatures and while gravity prevents them from climbing wall, nothing is stopping them from entering through windows. Occasionally, you might need to check areas that have constant open windows.
Drain Pipes
Drain pipes are not always sealed and covered to keep all the rodents out. This means that if the drain pipes are unused for a while, the rodents might find their way inside the building. If the pipes have leaks, they can expose this weakness by climbing through these small cracks or holes.
How To Get Rid Of Mice In Different Locations
If you have finally uncovered mice in your home, you need to take some steps to get rid of them. This can vary from location to location, but most of the principles will still remain the same. Here is my guide of getting rid of mice based on the location that you have found them in:
Basement
One of the first places that mice tend to choose for an infestation in the basement. The basement is not used as often as other areas of the home and this allows them to roam around freely. They will remain in this area until the food is eventually removed. Mice commonly enter the basement through windows and open doors, but structural weaknesses and cracks also allow them to get in. Here is how you can get rid of them:
- Traps: The common option is by setting up traps. This is one of the preferred methods and while it might not kill the mice. It will trap them and you can dispose of them on your own peril.
- Natural Remedies: If you are an environmentalist or you have spotted the traps fast, you might consider natural remedies to get rid of them. These include sealing up specific areas and also removing the food or water sources. I do recommend still keeping track of them to ensure they don’t spread to other areas in the home.
- Commercial Repellent: A wide variety of commercial rodent repellents like the ultrasonic repellers are available. This is another humane way to rid yourself of the infestation and get the mice away.
- Poisons: Poisons should only be considered for large uncontrollable infestations and when you don’t have any pets around. This can rid your building of mice quite fast, but can also be dangerous for pets.
- Exterminator: If none of the above-mentioned have worked for you, you might need to consider calling an expert that will assist you with the infestation problem. These trained professional can get rodents out in no time at all.
Walls
The walls in your home can be hardest to exterminate when you have detected an infestation. Mice like to make holes in the walls and they tend to live inside these walls. Aside from breaking down the walls to get them out, you are only left with a few options that will actually work. Here is what I have done to get rid of mice:
- Poison: One of the best ways to get rid of an infestation in a wall is to put some poison inside the wall. However, this might leave you with dead mice inside the wall and it can leave a bad odor. It might also drive them out if you are lucky.
- Traps: Traps remain the best way to get them to come out of their nests. This can help you avoid having dead mice left inside your walls.
- Sealing The Holes: If you don’t feel like doing anything that will harm them, you might have some luck with sealing up the wall. This works even better when you use a poisonous liquid sealer to do the job.
Kitchen
The next most common spot to find mice is in the kitchen. The kitchen can be a daunting area to keep clean and this needs to be done daily. Since there are many food and water sources for the mice, the love the kitchen, but here is how you can get of a mice infestation:
- Traps: There are a variety of different traps that you can use for your mice. These traps can electrify or simply catch them. However, you need to set it up carefully near the infestation site to make it more appealing. Having bait with a little bit of an odor might encourage them even more.
- Natural Remedies: If the infestation is still small, you might be able to get rid of it by simply spraying some peppermint oil. Sealing up some of the holes will also be helpful to keep them at bay.
- Commercial Repellent: This is pretty much self-explanatory and you can use them much as you will in your basement to get rid of mice.
- Poison: Poison is an option, but not recommended in areas that you have food. If you can clean out the kitchen for a while, you might be able to use poisons. However, the kitchen needs to be sanitized afterward.
- Exterminator: An exterminator can help to detect the mice and they have safe ways that will get rid of the infestation. This is one of the first options that I would recommend for kitchen infestations.
- Ultrasonic Pest Repellents: The ultrasonic pest repellents are still being disputed, but they can make a massive difference. You might need to ensure that the pest repellent you choose is actually approved by the right bodies.
Attic, Ceiling, And Vents
Mice tend to prefer the attic or even your ceiling due to the inactivity of people not using these areas. While they can spread quite rapidly, you might need to set up a couple of traps or even scout around for entry points to keep them out. Sealing of the entry levels are the best way to keep them from spreading, but you can find some more creative ways to get rid of them as well.
Garage
Much like the attic and the ceilings, your garage is a warm spot for the mice to invade in the fall. This spot is generally cluttered and we don’t really look too much at the infestations. Mouse poisons can work wonders here and with a little bit of decluttering or cleaning, you can rid your garage of the infestation. There are many more ways you can use to get mice out of your garage.
Car
If your garage is infested, there are chances that your cars will also become a target. Mice can easily get into vehicles that are not maintained or used on a regular basis. To avoid this, you need to check the car often for signs of infestations, but keep the mice away from the car in the first place. If you have an infestation, you can use a variety of ways to exterminate them on your own.
Apartment
The apartment is the place you stay and live and when mice invade, it can be hard to get rid of them on your own. While you have a couple of ways to get rid of them, you should consider calling your property owner and discuss it with them. They are bound by a contract that will obligate them to get rid of the infestation for you.
Different Methods to Get Rid of Mice
Mouse Traps
Nothing is more daunting than having a few mouse traps set up around your building. Mouse traps are effective and they have been used for many years. Modern technology has allowed us to even electrify the mousetraps to allow them to be more potent. You can find a variety of great mousetraps that will get the job done.
Ultrasonic Repellers
Mice have a keen sense of hearing and this means they can be vulnerable to different ultrasonic sounds. These sounds are not harmful to humans and they can drive mice crazy. However, you need to find the right ultrasonic repeller to make it possible to do so and there are quite a few that are recommended by the FDA.
Natural Remedies
If you don’t want to spend too much money on buying sophisticated equipment, you can try out a couple of natural remedies. Things like peppermint oil have a proven reputation to drive mice away and keep them at bay. If you want to go the affordable way, you might need to consider choosing the best natural remedy.
Exterminator
The traditional way of getting rid of mice is to call a professional It might be a little more expensive than your own DIY methods, but these exterminators can do it the right way. Exterminators are also the fastest way to get rid of rodent infestations in your home.
Poison
One of the last resorts is to choose a poison that will enable you to get rid of mice. This is commonly reserved for larger infestations, but it can make the job much easier. However, you need to keep in mind that most poisons are also harmful to you and your pets.
Commercial Repellents
Most commercial repellents won’t kill the mice, but can be used as a great way to control them Once these repellents have been sprayed or added to certain areas, they can help you to keep the mice away from these areas. Here is a short breakdown of my favorite commercial repellents that have helped to control rodent infestations:
1. Exterminators Choice Vehicle Protection Mice & Rodent Repellent
Main Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, White Pepper Extract
The Exterminators Choice Vehicle Protection Mice & Rodent Repellent is one of the best options that can be used on a variety of different surfaces. It has a very strong smell that you will even smell and can be used for not only mice but other insects and infestations as well. I prefer using it for wires and in the cars to keep the mice from entering.
Pros:
- Keeps all critters away
- Eco-friendly
- Works for a long time
- Really effective
Cons:
- Strong odor
- A little expensive
2. Eco Defense Mice Repellent
Main Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Cinnamon Oil, and Castor Oil
Another eco-friendly product is the Eco Defense Mice Repellent that can be used in any area that you wish to protect. The smell is not as daunting and it has a strong oily design that will keep the repellent from losing its effect. I prefer using this spray near areas that have food content and hidden areas that need to be kept safe.
Pros:
- Organic ingredients
- Can be used near food sources
- The smell is not as daunting
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Mice can become immune to it after a while
3. Exterminators Choice Mice Defense
Main Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, and White Pepper Extract
If you are looking to protect a large area or perhaps even a commercial building with an infestation risk, the Exterminators Choice Mice Defense is an all natural product that protects the home and your own food sources. It might have a very strong smell, but it takes a very long time for mice to actually become accustomed to the smell.
Pros:
- Large available quantity
- Works for a long period
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Pricey
4. Rodent-B-Gone- Extra Strength Peppermint Oil
Main Ingredient: Peppermint Oil
The Rodent-B-Gone- Extra Strength Peppermint Oil might not be the most effective option when we look at the combination of oils used in the others, but it is one of the best options to use in the home. The dominant peppermint oil will not smell as bad and it can keep rodents at bay really effectively. Additionally, it is one of the more affordable products.
Pros:
- The smell is not overwhelming
- Really effective for all rodents
- Reasonably priced
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Rodents will get used to it eventually
5. RODENT SHERIFF Pest Control Spray
Main Ingredient: Peppermint Oil
Last but certainly not least, I have used the RODENT SHERIFF Pest Control Spray to keep the rodent infestation at bay. It is a completely natural product that enables you to keep the home clean and get rid of all infestations. The product has a very long lifespan and since you get two for the price of one, it is affordable as well.
Pros:
- Natural ingredient
- Affordable
- Can be used anywhere
- Pet safe
Cons:
- The scent is extremely overwhelming
Pet-safe Methods to Get Rid of Mice
If you have read the entire article, you might know how easy it is to keep mice at bay. However, we have pets in the home and this can be daunting for many people with large infestations. Fortunately, I have found 2 ways that you can keep your rodent infestation at bay without jeopardizing the health of your pets:
Live Mouse traps
Live mousetraps are not harmful to your pets, but you need to keep a regular eye on them. If you see some strange behavior by your pets, the mice might have caught something, but you can also have your pets set it off. It is best to check them often to ensure that you don’t injure your pets with the mouse trap.
Oils and Remedies
While oils can potentially frustrate your pets, they won’t actually hurt them. The natural oil might force your pet to steer clear of an area, but they can still be around. Natural oils will not kill the mice, but you can prevent them from getting in your home or control them till you have an exterminator come to remove them.
How to Prevent Mice Infestation
- Keep your home clean
- Declutter unused areas
- Remove food and water sources lying around
- Check the area for signs of mice
- Get rid of the problem as soon as possible
- Have your home cleaned by professionals often
Final Thoughts
If your building or home has been plagued by mice, this guide will definitely make it easier to get rid of them. It can be daunting to rid your home of mice if the infestation has spread, but we hope that this guide will ensure that you can do it. Let me know in the comment section, what you think of this guide and if I missed anything important.
List of guides:
- 10 Best Ultrasonic Pest Repellers [Buying Guide] (2019)
- 10+ Best Mouse Traps to Get Rid of Mice
- 8 Best Mouse Poisons on the Market
- 6 Best Electric Mouse Traps on the Market
- 10 Best Remedies to Get Rid of Mice Naturally
- 5 Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice in the Garage
- 7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Mice Without Killing Them
- Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice in the Apartaments
- Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice in the Attic
- Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice in Walls & Vents
- How to Keep Mice Out of Your Car and Prevent Future Infestation