# How to get rid of mice in the house

**URL:** <https://howtodiscuss.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-in-the-house/436>\
**Category:** Pets\
**Created:** [June 2, 2020, 9:26am UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-in-the-house/436 "2020-06-02T09:26:08Z")\
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**Post date:** [June 2, 2020, 9:26am UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-in-the-house/436/1 "2020-06-02T09:26:08Z")

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According to Cindy Mannes, spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association, fall and winter are prime times for rodents trying to find their way into warm, cozy homes, but it’s never too early to start protecting mice.

Not only can they eat away at the walls and boxes in your pantry, but mice can wreak havoc in your home. In particular, they can eat away at wires, which can cause house fires…“A development of their dung can likewise demolish sensitivity and asthma circumstances.”

## What does mouse droppings look like?

Mouse droppings look like dark grains of rice, about a quarter of an inch long. Rat droppings appear a bit wider and longer - about half an inch in length.

Trails of little ■■■■ dumplings are certainly a major sign that you have mice, but the best evidence may not always be scattered along your counters. Another tip could be that boxes in your pantry have been nibbled.

## When you see a mouse, does that mean there is more?

Sorry to get the news: if you see a mouse, you almost definitely have more than one. If you get one, others will find their way. Plus, they reproduce very quickly."

## What home remedies can you use to get rid of mice?

We’ve seen all sorts of DIY home repellants (including peppermint sprays, fillings for dryer sheets, and cotton balls soaked in oil and cayenne pepper), but you can skip the home remedies.

## Okay, how do you get rid of mice?

Here’s what you need to do to eliminate these pesky little animals - as quickly and as painlessly as possible.

#### 1. Find your entry point.

Do a little bit of detective work before dropping any traps or baits. Determine where they live and build nests. When you find these places, set your traps around these general areas. Of course, professional exterminators can determine exactly where to place them and how many you will need.

#### 2. Set store bought traps.

Want something a little, uh, less in the open? Try the d-Con Discreet No View, No Touch Mouse Trap, which conceals the little guy so you can just throw the whole thing ($ 10 for 2).

You can also go the more humane route with a reusable trap that uses no glue or poison, so you can free the creature.

#### 3. Use putty and steel wool to seal the house.

Once you’ve dealt with the infestation indoors, you’ll want to make sure that no additional mice can find their way. Mice can fit through penny-sized openings. What about the rats? Well, they can fit anything the size of a quarter - amazing! Even if a hole doesn’t start out that big, rodents can bite down to make the opening larger.

Pay close attention to where the pipes enter the house and along the basement foundation. Be sure to replace the weatherstripping and make sure you’ve shielded your chimney vents and openings.

#### 4. Check the garage.

Once they are underneath, they can start to eat wires and cause serious damage to your car.

#### 5. Trim the bushes in your home.

Should be cut back from the outside of your house. Keep piles of firewood at least 20 feet from the house as mice like to nest in the piles.

#### 6. Seal food in airtight containers.

Putting cereal and other supplies in airtight canisters will attract fewer mice, according to Mannes. If you leave them out in a dog bowl all day, rodents will just get one more source of food."

#### 7. Realize when to call an expert - and what to inquire.

Everyone has a different threshold for what they are willing to endure or take on themselves. However, if you need a professional, ask your friends and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Then call for a quote and see what - if any - will be charged for a consultation.

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