Tips

12 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Mice in Your House or Dorm

The constant battle against pesky rodents ruining your furniture and infusing your living space with an unbearable stench is real. Learn how to effectively keep those critters at bay and reclaim your home's sanity and pleasant aroma.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Mice can be a persistent problem for many households, causing damage to property and food contamination, as well as spreading dangerous diseases such as plague and jaundice. Here are some effective tips to keep your home rodent-free.

1. Using Mouse Traps

Metal Cage Traps

Metal cage traps are an effective way to catch mice.

Metal cage traps are easily available in the market. Simply bait the trap and place it in a corner or any area where mice are likely to frequent.

Once a mouse enters the cage and triggers the bait, the trap will snap shut, ensuring the mouse cannot escape.

Snap Traps

Snap traps are another effective method to catch mice.

Similar to the metal cage trap, bait this trap and place it in areas where mice are known to cause trouble or frequently visit.

When a mouse triggers the bait, the trap’s metal bar will snap down with force, instantly trapping the rodent.

Glue Traps

Glue traps are easy to use and effective in catching mice.

Glue traps are relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. Simply apply some bait onto the sticky surface, and the trap is ready to go.

Place these traps anywhere you notice signs of mice, such as droppings near the refrigerator or garbage bins. If you have pets, ensure they are kept away from the traps to avoid accidental capture.

Homemade Mouse Traps

Plastic Bottle Trap

A homemade mouse trap using a plastic bottle.

This trap is suitable for catching smaller mice. Here’s how to make it:

Punch two holes on the sides of a plastic bottle.
Thread a stiff wire or metal bar through the holes to create a trap mechanism (as shown in the image).
Apply peanut butter on a piece of cotton and secure it to the bottom of the bottle with a thin layer of glue.
Place the trap in areas where mice are likely to be present.

When a mouse enters the bottle, attracted by the bait, the trap mechanism will be triggered, trapping the mouse inside.

Bucket and Plastic Bottle Trap

A bucket and plastic bottle trap is another effective DIY method.

Here’s how to create this trap:

Take a bucket (or trash can) with handles and fill it with water to about a quarter of its height.
Pierce a hole in the bottom and cap of a plastic bottle. Thread a string (or wire) through the bottle, from the mouth to the bottom hole, and secure both ends to the bucket’s handles.
Coat the outside of the bottle with peanut butter to attract the mice.
Use a wooden board to create a ramp for the mice to climb up and access the bottle.

When a mouse climbs onto the bottle, attracted by the peanut butter, the bottle will spin, causing the mouse to fall into the bucket and get trapped.

2. Non-Toxic Methods to Repel Mice

While traps are effective in catching mice, it’s also important to consider non-lethal methods to repel them and prevent future infestations. These methods are safer for your family and other pets.

Using Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent has a surprising use beyond cleaning your clothes – it can help keep those pesky mice away! Mix laundry detergent powder with black pepper powder and leftover rice, and place the mixture in areas where mice frequently pass through. The strong scent will deter them from entering your home.

Adopting a Cat

Cats and mice are natural enemies. Introducing a cat into your household will significantly reduce the presence of mice. The sound of a cat’s meow is often enough to keep mice away. Additionally, cats make wonderful pets and can help reduce stress after a long day.

Using Mint

Mint is an excellent natural repellent for mice. While humans find the scent of mint soothing, mice find it repulsive. Place mint tea bags, dried mint leaves, or cotton balls soaked in mint essential oil along the paths that mice use to enter your home. You’ll soon notice a significant reduction in their presence.

Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon powder is another effective repellent. Sprinkle it in areas you want to keep mouse-free, such as cabinets and cupboards. You can also place a bag of cinnamon powder in these spaces to keep mice at bay.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is a potent repellent for mice. You can either sprinkle it around your home or mix it with water and a few drops of detergent, and then spray the solution in areas where mice are active. This will effectively keep them away from your living spaces.

Using Vinegar

Did you know that mice absolutely detest the smell of vinegar? Soaking a cotton ball in vinegar and placing it near their frequent paths is an incredibly simple yet effective way to repel mice. Replace the cotton ball once the vinegar scent fades.

Garlic

Garlic has a strong aroma that humans may love or hate, but mice certainly dislike it. Here are a few ways to use garlic to repel mice:

Place fresh garlic cloves (crushed or whole) in areas where mice are active.
Sprinkle garlic powder in dark corners and crevices to keep mice away.
Plant garlic in your garden to create a natural barrier against these pests.
Use garlic essential oil by soaking a few drops in a cotton ball and placing it in areas where mice have been spotted.

Using Essential Oils

Scientific research has shown that reptiles, including mice, are repelled by the scent of essential oils. Using natural essential oils is a safe and pleasant way to keep mice away while filling your home with wonderful fragrances. Simply soak a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as peppermint, lavender, or chamomile) into a small cotton ball and place it in corners, near trash bins, or anywhere mice tend to enter. Replace the cotton ball with a new scent every 5-7 days.

3. Important Considerations when Repelling Mice

Keep your home clean and sealed to prevent mice infestations.

Seal any openings, such as holes in walls or ceilings, to prevent mice from entering.
Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mice out while maintaining ventilation.
If you notice any signs of mice digging, mix some concrete and pour it into the hole to prevent them from entering.
Maintain a clean and tidy home, as mice are attracted to clutter and mess.
Consider adopting a pet mouse to deter wild mice, but be sure to supervise them carefully.

By following these tips, you can effectively keep mice out of your home without resorting to harmful chemicals or traps. Give them a try and say goodbye to unwanted rodent visitors!

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective ways to get rid of mice. You can use traditional methods such as snap traps and glue traps, or opt for more humane options like live traps. Additionally, you can use natural repellents like peppermint oil, or seal entry points with steel wool and caulk.

Mice have a strong sense of smell, so using strong-scented natural repellents can be effective. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points, or use spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or cloves. You can also try using ultrasonic pest repellers, which emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to mice.

To prevent mice from entering your home, you need to seal any potential entry points. Use steel wool and caulk to fill gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical wiring. Keep your home clean and clutter-free, especially in areas like attics and basements. Also, ensure your garbage is securely stored in bins with tight-fitting lids.

If you have pets or children, you may want to avoid using toxic baits or traps that could harm them. Opt for live traps, which capture mice without harming them, and release them away from your home. You can also use pet-safe repellents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices.

After getting rid of mice, it’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home. Wear gloves and a mask during the cleaning process. Use a disinfectant spray to wipe down surfaces, and vacuum or sweep up any droppings or nesting materials. Dispose of the waste in a sealed bag, and continue to monitor for any signs of remaining mice activity.