How to get rid of mice at home: effective methods and prevention
Mice in the home are a common problem — and we often start dealing with it too late. They can damage food, belongings, and even wiring, and they may spread infectious diseases, as noted by the National Public Health Center. That’s why it’s important not only to set traps but also to find out how the mice are getting in and block those entry points. In cases of a larger infestation, the most effective solution is to contact professional pest control specialists.
So, let’s look at how to get rid of mice at home safely and effectively.
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How to tell if mice have moved into your home?
If mice have moved into your home, you’ll notice it fairly quickly — they don’t stay hidden for long. The sooner you realize you have uninvited guests, the faster you can take action to remove them. Here are the main signs that mice are present in your home:
- Noises. You may hear scratching, scurrying, or rustling sounds in the ceiling, under the floor, behind furniture, or inside the walls — especially at night.
- Droppings. Mice leave many small, dark, rice-shaped droppings, especially in places where they feed, such as kitchen cabinets or food storage areas.
- Damaged items. If you store food in paper or plastic packaging, you may notice gnaw marks or holes. Mice can even chew through drywall, plastic, and other materials to reach food.
- Holes. Around pipes, openings, or baseboards, you may spot small holes — these are entry points mice use to get inside your home.
How to get rid of mice: the most effective removal methods
In this situation, you have a few options. If there aren’t many mice, you can try some basic methods on your own. But if they’ve already taken over your home, professional help will be the most effective solution.
Mechanical traps
Traps are one of the oldest and still most popular ways to catch mice. They can be effective, but it may take some time to get all of the rodents out of your home.
It’s a common myth that mice love cheese, so people often use it as bait. In reality, mice are more attracted to sweet, sticky foods, which work much better in traps.
Place the traps where you see signs of mice: behind furniture, near kitchen cabinets, or under the sink around pipes.
Electronic traps and ultrasonic devices
Mice or rats that enter electronic traps receive a high-voltage shock and die within seconds. These traps can be used in any room and run either on batteries or with an adapter.
Ultrasonic devices are also used to repel mice and rats. They are very easy to use — just plug them into a power outlet. This method is safe, as the sound has no effect on people or household pets.
How to get rid of mice at home using poison
Sometimes mice are removed using poison. You can buy it in garden, farm, or specialized stores. Mouse poison comes in different forms, and the best choice depends on your situation. For example, granules can be used both indoors and outdoors, solid blocks are suitable for damp areas, and soft bait — usually packed in small sachets — is especially attractive to mice.
When using poison, be very careful. Keep it away from places where children or pets could reach it.
Professional mouse control at home
Getting rid of mice on your own can take time. And the longer they stay in your home, the more damage they can cause. According to the National Public Health Center, the safest way to remove rodents is to hire licensed pest control specialists. They can choose the most effective methods based on the size of the infestation, the type of property, and other important factors.
So if you see that DIY methods aren’t working — or you simply don’t want to spend your time fighting mice — trust the professionals. The Sterilus.lt team, which has been providing mouse control services for many years, says that the first results can be seen within 2–3 days. Using certified products and years of experience allows them to deliver fast and effective results.
How to prevent mice from coming back?
It’s important not only to get rid of the mice but also to make sure they don’t return. To protect your home, you first need to understand how rodents usually get inside and what steps you can take to stop them.
The main ways rodents enter your home:
- Open ventilation ducts without protective grilles
- Gaps around sewage or heating pipes
- Unsealed doors leading to the basement, garage, or outdoor storage areas
- Cracks in the foundation
- Mice and rats can also travel through sewage systems, especially if there are no backflow valves in drainage or wastewater pipes.
What should you do to avoid giving mice an easy way in?
A Sterilus.lt specialist shares: “It’s important to regularly check the foundation and the areas around pipes. If you notice holes or cracks, make sure to seal them. Don’t focus only on how to get rid of mice — also inspect basements, attics, and garages regularly, especially at the start of spring and from mid-autumn onward.”
It’s also worth remembering a few simple things:
- Store food in tightly sealed containers — ideally glass or metal
- Keep trash only in closed bins
The specialist also highlights the importance of carrying out deratization — regular rodent control. It is recommended to do this at least three times a year:
- In spring (March–April), when breeding is most active
- In autumn (September–October), when rodents move indoors to escape the cold
- And in mid-winter, when food becomes scarce
When should you call a professional?
When you’re trying to get rid of mice in an apartment or house, you can start with DIY methods. But if you catch a few mice and new ones keep appearing, or if traps simply don’t work, it’s a good idea to contact a professional.
Professional help is also useful if you find mouse nests or suspect there are more rodents than you can see. Specialists use certified products, understand all the details of rodent control, and usually achieve results within a few days. So if mice have already started “taking over” your home, it’s better not to wait and get in touch with mouse control experts.