It’s a fact that rodent infestations plague one-third of Americans. If you have mice in your home, you may panic at first. But don’t. There are often a few DIY approaches you can take to remedy the problem. If these tips don’t work, don’t give up: call in a professional. Check out these tips:

  • Close off any entry points: It’s important to stop mice infestations from getting worse. If you don’t eliminate the point of entry, more mice will just keep getting in. This can be difficult, as mice have the ability to squeeze themselves into the tiniest of spaces – even as little as one quarter inch. If you suspect a hole or crack, stick a pencil in it. If it fits, so does the mouse. Seal up cracks in the foundation, we well as walls, pipes and vents. You can use caulk or even steel wool. Just stay away from plastic, rubber or wood, as mice can chew through these materials. Apply weather stripping to your doors and windows.
  • Set traps: Don’t just set one mouse trap. Set several in several different spots. You could be dealing with many mice, not just one. You may also want to try a combination of trap types, such as wooden traps, bait traps, multiple-capture live traps and glue traps.
  • Use the right bait: If you know what foods the mice have been enjoying in your home, you can use that as bait. Or, you could go with traditional mouse favorites such as peanut butter, chocolate, bacon, oatmeal, dried fruit or hazelnut spread. When setting the trap, tie the bait to the trigger with dental floss or fishing line, or even secure the bait using a hot glue gun. Replace the bait every couple of days so it stays appealing and fresh. Food not working? Try nesting materials such as cotton balls, feathers or bits of insulation.
  • Place the traps properly: Ideally, you want them placed perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger facing your baseboard. This is so the mouse runs right into it as part of his natural progression along the wall, rather than running over it from the opposite direction. Remember, mice tend to stay within 20 feet from their nests and food sources, so sprinkle the traps wherever you see rodent droppings.
  • Keep your home clean: Did you know mice only need about three or four grams of food daily to survive? That means only a few crumbs will sustain them. Vacuum your floors, particularly in the kitchen every day. Store your food, especially sugar, in air-tight containers. Wipe down your counters and take the garbage out when it’s full.
  • Head outside and remove debris: Mice love to hide, so pull weeds, destroy nesting areas that you may see, and line your foundation with gravel so they don’t burrow.
  • Get a cat: They love to hunt and kill mice, often presenting the homeowners with their “trophy.”

If none of these approaches work, don’t hesitate to call Cavanaugh’s Professional Termite and Pest Services for a free estimate. Contact us today in one of our three locations: Flanders at 973-584-2552, in Somerville at 908-730-6565, or in Freehold at 800-362-2282