Mouse control: How to get rid of mice and prevent infestations

While DIY mouse control methods may seem appealing, they typically don't address the root cause of infestations. Mouse exterminators have the knowledge and expertise to locate and seal entry points and determine the best treatment methods to help eliminate existing infestations efficiently and humanely.

Mouse control is important because mice can pose health risks, cause property damage, and cause distress for homeowners. If you suspect mice may be wreaking havoc on your home, schedule an inspection with Terminix today!

Do you have a mouse problem?

If you think mice may be hiding in your home, check for the following signs:

• Droppings: Mice droppings are small, dark pellets (about the size of a grain of rice) and can be found scattered around your home, especially in areas where they frequent, like kitchens, pantries, or behind furniture.
• Gnaw marks: Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture legs, wires, or even drywall.
• Nests: Mice can build nests from shredded paper, fabric, or other soft materials in hidden areas like attics, basements, behind appliances, or wall cavities.
• Scratching sounds: Mice are most active at night, so you might hear scratching or scurrying noises within the walls or ceilings.
• Urine odor: A strong ammonia-like smell can indicate a mouse infestation, especially in concentrated areas.

Mice are excellent hiders, but there are some prime locations in your home where they'll likely be, including:

• Walls and attics: They can squeeze through small openings and nest within wall cavities and attic spaces.
• Basements and crawl spaces: These areas provide shelter and easy access to the rest of the house.
• Kitchens and pantries: Mice are attracted to food sources.
• Garages and sheds: These spaces offer ample hiding spots and are often less frequently disturbed.
• Furniture and storage boxes: Mice can nest in stored items, clutter, and even inside furniture.

Get started with mouse control

When it comes to mice at Terminix, you have options: rodent control, rodent exclusion, and our ongoing pest control plans. Our rodent control services treat and address any mice on your property by using a combination of rodenticides, tamper-resistant bait stations, or live traps.

Our rodent exclusion service includes an inspection to locate the infestation and any access points these pests have to your home. Our technicians will then create a custom exclusion plan tailored to your specific rodent problem.

Our annual pest control plans, PestFree365 and PestFree365+, also offer prevention methods to help keep these nuisance pests and up to 39 more pests out.¹

What is the best way to get rid of mice?

The best way to eliminate mice depends on the severity of the infestation. However, in most situations, it's best to call a mouse exterminator, as mice can breed very quickly. Terminix technicians will inspect your home to assess the infestation and identify entry points. They will then recommend a mouse treatment plan using integrated pest management solutions and implement prevention methods.

What treatments for mice does Terminix use?

Mouse control treatments can vary by customer based on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and other environmental factors. Each situation requires a tailored approach to address the unique challenges effectively and prevent future infestations. Your personalized mouse control plan may include:

• Sealing holes inside and outside of your home to prevent mice from entering.

• Placing mouse traps strategically to help control mice populations.

• Blocking food sources to make your home less attractive to mice.

• Using tamper-resistant bait stations and rodenticides when necessary.

If you suspect mice have infested your home, schedule an inspection today!

Are mice in my home dangerous?

Having mice in your home can be dangerous for several reasons:

• Health risks: Mice can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through their droppings, urine, and saliva.

• Allergies and asthma: Mice can trigger allergies and asthma in some people due to the proteins in their urine, droppings, and dander.

• Contamination: They can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine.

• Structural damage: Mice can chew through wires, insulation, and wood, potentially causing electrical fires and significant structural damage.

• Rapid reproduction: Mice breed quickly, which can make eliminating infestations challenging to control if not addressed promptly.