Any type of pest in your home is an issue. Even tiny pests can cause big problems. For example, termites can eat away at the structural wood of your house and lead to serious damage. Small pests can be real threats but there are larger pests that are problematic too. Larger pests can seem much worse and feel like a bigger threat because of their physical size. Of all the common household pests, mice are one of the largest and most feared. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get rid of a mouse in your house.
Minimize the elements that attracted the mouse to your house
What are mice looking for when they come into your house? The three basic things mice are seeking out are shelter, food, and water. Your house likely has all of the elements necessary for a mouse to survive. A mouse will look for shelter in a protected and hidden area of your home. If you have a lot of clutter around it makes it easier for a mouse to hide. Removing clutter can minimize the options the mouse has for hiding. There is no way to completely eliminate food from your home but you can make it more difficult to get to for the mouse. Improperly closed packages in the pantry, leftovers on a plate that sit on the counter all night, and a trashcan overflowing with food scraps all provide easy access to food for a mouse. Be intentional about how you deal with food storage and food waste to make it more difficult for the mouse to find what it needs. Standing water in the sink or a leak is often enough to give a mouse the nourishment it needs. Address any water issues quickly so it is difficult for the mouse to find water. Minimizing the elements that attracted the mouse to your house can help you in the process of eliminating the infestation and preventing another one in the future.
Look for breaches around your home
How did the mouse get into your house in the first place? There is likely a breach somewhere that allowed the rodent to squeeze through. Take a look around the exterior of your house for areas that have been damaged or eaten through. Once you find the problem area, make repairs right away so more mice cannot get inside.
Bring in professional help
When it comes down to it, the quickest and most effective way to get rid of a mouse in your house is to bring in professional help. A pest control pro will be able to identify the signs of an infestation and determine if it is just one mouse or several. Getting rid of a mouse is more complicated than other types of pest control because you cannot just spray or put out poison. Mice are a lot bigger than other types of pests and if one dies in your house you will quickly notice a foul odor. A pest control pro will have the tools and experience to prevent this from happening and get the mouse and of your house. It can be unnerving to see a mouse scurry across the room. The good news is that you do not have to live in fear of having a mouse in the house. If you have discovered a mouse in your house, bring in professional help to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Once the current infestation is eradicated you can set up preventative treatment to ensure no more mice try to take up residence in your house.
