Not Cinderella's Friends: Mouse Infestation Issues
When you see a mouse inside your home, you've got a better chance that it's not alone than that it is. Mice are rapid reproducers, and when they nest, that nest grows very quickly. You'll want to get on top of the problem as soon as possible, including taking your own measures as well as reaching out to a pest control company for help. Here are some things to think about as you wait for your pest control company to arrive.
Start by Cleaning Up
The presence of mice in your home won't necessarily mean that your home is dirty. However, any lingering crumbs or other particles can serve as an easily accessible food source. Take time to keep your kitchen and the rest of your home as clean as possible. If you have kids, consider prohibiting food in their rooms, restricting it to the kitchen and the dining table instead. This can help you to keep food remnants contained to minimize the food sources that mice will find.
Set Some Traps
Traps are a great resource when you're combatting a mouse problem. Whether you decide to invest in trap-and-release traps or you opt for fatal traps, you'll need to bait them. Choosing the right bait is important because a bait that won't attract the mouse creates an ineffective trap.
The best bait for a mousetrap is peanut butter. Not only do mice love peanut butter, but it also doesn't dry out the way that cheese will. Also, baiting with cheese can be unpredictable because you can't guarantee that the mouse will like whatever type of cheese you pick.
Place traps around the kitchen and in any other areas of the house where you may have seen a mouse. It's important to put them somewhere out of the way, but always wear gloves when you handle them. If you leave a human scent on the trap, the mice won't go near it.
Seal Your Home
Mice are pretty small creatures, which means they can fit in some pretty small holes. They squeeze through all sorts of tiny spaces, which is part of why they are so hard to combat. You may find it more effective to work with a pest control company when you do this because they are trained to spot the vulnerable areas where mice can gain entry. They may be able to recognize vulnerabilities where you might overlook them.