Mice are among the most common household pests in Australia. They can sneak into your home undetected, causing damage to property, spreading diseases, and creating an overall unhygienic living environment. While DIY methods can help in some cases, professional pest control services provide a more effective and long-term solution for getting rid of mice in your house.
In this article, we will explore how pest control experts get rid of mice, the strategies they use, and how to prevent future infestations.
Why do you have mice in your house?
Before diving into how pest control gets rid of mice, it’s important to understand why these rodents invade homes in the first place.
- Food sources: Mice are opportunistic feeders, often seeking out food that’s easily accessible. Kitchens, pantries, and bins left open or containing food scraps are prime locations for mice.
- Shelter: Mice prefer to hide in warm, dark places with minimal human activity. Your attic, basement, or underfloor areas provide perfect hiding spots.
- Breeding: Mice breed rapidly. A female mouse can give birth to up to 10 pups per litter, and she can have 5–10 litters per year. This high reproductive rate makes it easy for a minor issue to escalate rapidly.
Signs of a mice infestation
Recognising a mouse infestation early can help prevent significant damage and health issues. Look out for these signs:
- Droppings: Mice leave droppings behind, especially near food sources or in hidden areas like cupboards and basements. These are usually small, black, and pellet-shaped.
- Gnaw marks: Mice tend to chew on materials like wood, plastic, insulation, and even electrical wires to keep their teeth from growing too long.
- Noise: Mice are nocturnal and often make scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or underfloor spaces at night.
- Nests: Mice use soft materials such as paper, cloth, and insulation to build nests in hidden areas around your home.
- Urine trails: Mice urinate frequently, leaving visible stains in areas where they have been active.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a pest control professional to handle the issue.
How do pest control experts get rid of mice?
Pest control companies employ a variety of methods to safely and effectively eliminate mice from your home. Here’s a breakdown of the steps they take:
1. Inspection and assessment
The first step in professional pest control is a thorough inspection of your property. The technician will assess:
- Entry points: Mice can fit through tiny holes, so pest control experts will identify cracks, gaps, and any other openings where mice might be entering the home.
- Nesting areas: They’ll check areas such as attics, basements, wall cavities, and under furniture to locate nests and signs of activity.
- Food sources: Identifying where food is stored and where mice are likely to be feeding is crucial to managing an infestation.
Once the technician has a complete understanding of the extent of the problem, they will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
2. Trapping and baiting
One of the most common methods pest control experts use to get rid of mice is trapping. They will strategically place traps in high-traffic areas where mice are most active.
- Snap traps: These are designed to kill mice when triggered quickly. They’re highly effective and placed along walls or where droppings have been found.
- Live traps: For those who prefer a humane option, live traps are available. Mice are captured alive and then released far from the property.
- Bait stations: These enclosed units contain poisoned bait that mice eat. The bait kills the mice after they consume it and prevents other animals from accessing the poison.
In some cases, a combination of traps and baiting is used for maximum efficiency.
3. Sealing entry points
Once the immediate infestation is under control, pest control experts will seal any cracks, holes, or other entry points where mice could be getting inside. This may involve:
- Sealing cracks in walls or foundation
- Repairing holes around windows, doors, or vents
- Installing weather stripping and door sweeps
By eliminating these entry points, pest control experts ensure that mice can’t return.
4. Ongoing monitoring
After treatment, pest control companies often offer ongoing monitoring services to ensure that the mice don’t return. They may provide follow-up visits to check the traps, inspect the property, and address any new signs of activity.
5. Environmental modification
In addition to trapping and baiting, pest control experts may also advise homeowners on how to reduce conditions that attract mice:
- Properly store food: Mice are attracted to easy food sources, so storing food in airtight containers is essential.
- Remove clutter: Mice like to hide in piles of clutter, so it’s important to tidy up attics, basements, and other storage areas regularly.
- Maintain cleanliness: Clean up crumbs, spills, and food debris to discourage mice from entering your home.
Benefits of professional pest control for mice
While DIY methods like traps or poison baits may work for minor infestations, there are several reasons why professional mice control is the best choice for dealing with mice:
- Expert knowledge: Pest control technicians are highly trained and know how to identify all areas of infestation, including hidden ones.
- Comprehensive solutions: They don’t just eliminate the mice; they prevent future infestations by addressing the source of the problem and sealing entry points.
- Safe and effective treatments: Professional pest control uses safe, approved methods for dealing with pests. They’ll ensure treatments are applied correctly, avoiding harm to your family or pets.
- Long-term protection: Pest control experts offer ongoing monitoring and support, so you can be confident that your home remains free from mice.
How to prevent mice from entering your home
After professional pest control treatment, taking proactive steps to prevent mice from re-entering your home is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Store food securely: Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Seal entry points: Make sure there are no gaps or cracks where mice could sneak in.
- Keep your yard clean: Mice are attracted to outdoor areas with garbage, compost heaps, or piles of wood. Keep your yard tidy to reduce the attraction.
- Remove clutter: Mice love hiding in cluttered spaces—Declutter attics, basements, and garages to remove their hiding spots.
- Regular inspections: Periodically check your home for new cracks, gaps, or signs of rodent activity.
Conclusion
Mice are a common pest in Australian homes, but with the help of professional pest control services, you can get rid of them and prevent future infestations. Pest control experts use a combination of trapping, baiting, sealing entry points, and monitoring to effectively eliminate mice from your property. By working with a professional, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is mouse-free and secure.
If you suspect you have a mouse problem, don’t wait for the infestation to get worse. Contact Pest Ex today for a thorough inspection and treatment plan tailored to your home.