House Mice Control & Removal Guide
(Field mouse, Deer mouse)*Mus musculus*
How They Get In
- Gap entry: mice squeeze through openings as small as 6mm — wall cracks, pipe penetrations, door bottom gaps, and window edges.
- Pipe migration: they travel along drain pipes, electrical conduits, and AC ducts between units and floors.
- Item carriage: moving boxes, old furniture, and stored clutter can transport mice or their nests.
- Autumn/winter migration: outdoor mice seek indoor food and shelter as weather cools.
How to Get Rid of Them
- Seal Entry Points: Stuff steel wool, metal mesh, or cement into all wall cracks and holes — focus on pipe penetrations and door bottom gaps. Any opening over 6mm must be sealed. Install door sweeps. Cover vents and exhaust openings with fine mesh.;
- Remove Food and Clutter: Store food in sealed glass or thick plastic containers. Never leave pet food out overnight. Clean up food residues and spills promptly. Remove clutter (cardboard boxes, old clothes) that provides nesting and hiding sites.;
- Physical Trapping: Place snap traps along walls where droppings and grease marks are visible, perpendicular to the wall with bait facing the wall. Use high-aroma baits: peanut butter, chocolate, or nuts. Glue boards work in low-dust areas. Electronic traps offer clean, bloodless capture.;
- Post-Sealing Monitoring: After sealing all accessible entry points, place bait stations with anticoagulant rodenticide (e.g., bromadiolone) along walls and in hidden storage areas. Use with extreme caution away from children and pets. Check for new droppings and gnaw marks. Monitor 2-3 weeks minimum to confirm elimination.;
- Long-Term Prevention: Maintain indoor cleanliness to reduce food sources. Regularly inspect building exteriors and foundations for new cracks. Avoid stacking firewood, debris, and dense vegetation against the house. For severe or large-area infestations, contact a licensed pest control professional.
Prevention & Follow-Up
Keep your kitchen and storage areas clean and dry. Store food in airtight containers. Seal every gap larger than 6 mm — wall cracks, pipe openings, and utility penetrations. Place snap traps and bait stations along walls and check them regularly. Keep firewood, clutter, and debris away from the sides of your house.