How to get rid of mice in your house

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How to catch mice

With all the rodent products on the market, it seems like solving the problem of how to catch mice would end in an easy solution. But, from experience, I can tell you, trapping mice and disposing of them, is not as easy as it sounds. Living in the country for thirteen years, I have tried just about every mouse trap; some work but are gross and have human safety concerns, some work better than others but you have to find a new home for the mouse, and then there are mouse traps that are hazardous to other wild life creatures, pets and kids - I call them unintended consequences. If this is a new problem for you, maybe my experiences will shed some light on which mouse trap is better and why, including the safety hazards associated with handling mice. Which product truly is the end all solution to getting rid of mice safely and humanely? I will show you how to end your mouse problems as well as explain why this mouse trap control method works.

Mouse Trap Facts

What issue and hazards are involved in trapping mice?

Locating the best mouse trap to get rid of mice is - not - as easy a job, as you may think. Choosing the best mouse trap can easily become a puzzling problem. Particularly if this is the very first time you've experienced a mouse control matter. Mouse waste evidence is definitely a sign of an infestation, to what degree is the question. An important first step prior to searching for your mouse trap is making sure you have mice and not rats. Selecting a mouse control solution that attracts your persona is really fundamental; understanding the hazards and potential risks associated with handling rodents is of the utmost importance. Additionally, recognizing the effects of each and every mouse trap solution will help the reader in choosing the right, and ultimately, the best mouse trap for the situation.
Flickr via Anasianelder

 

Droppings? Signs of a mouse infestation

What are the most common signs of rodent activity?

Droppings and urine odor is a commonly reported and first sign of rodent activity. Just a small family of mice can leave a huge amount of droppings in a short time frame. Did you know that a pair of mice can breed over 4,500 mice in a year? Did you see just one mouse running through the house? That one mouse will cause you to wonder if you just might have an army. That army could wreak havoc in your walls and HVAC system. Mice in the HVAC can be a serious problem, especially for those with allergies or other respiratory problems. That could be a lot of mouse traps. Are you suddenly thinking you need an exterminator?

How many mice do you have?

The number of mice determines how many mouse traps you will need.

Nope, this isn't a trick question, but I do have a trick for you. Guessing how many mice in your home is next to impossible, but you can perform a little test to give you an idea. Right before you go to bed, sprinkle a little bit of baby or talcum powder (or flour), on the floor; remember I said a little bit! In the morning check for little footprints; how many pairs of tiny mouse feet prints do you see?

Professional exterminators suggest using 2 to 3 mousetraps per mouse. The best mouse traps allow catching of several mice at once. These are known as multi catch mouse traps. Brands such as Rat Zapper can be used for mice as well, but take a little more battery power, as well as a fresh supply of battery changes. Victor makes an electronic mouse trap, that will get 50 kills to one set of batteries; it catches 3 mice at once and has proved beneficial. It is one of the most humane mouse traps, as it quickly zaps the mouse in 3 seconds.

Different Mouse Trap Types

How you will dispose of the rodent depends on the mousetrap?

Flickr via Jronaldlee

Old fashioned snap traps on wooden platforms are a messy and gruesome sight, especially for children. Glue traps, humane cage traps, and other catch and release mouse traps pose a hazard to humans; you must they handle the mouse for disposal or relocation. Touching a mouse, it's feces or urine, can spread a very serious re-emerging virus called the Hantavirus. There are over 60 transmittable rodent diseases humans and their pets can catch from rodents.

Mouse Trap Fail

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The Best Mouse Trap

Be safe when handling mice, your family needs you

In the thirteen years I've had my battle with getting rid of mice, the only tried and true method that is humane is a product that electrocutes mice in 3 to 5 seconds and, it keeps you safe from exposure to the sixty transmittable rodent diseases. Some of the electronic mouse traps collect 3 to 50 mice before having to be reset, but its best to empty them daily as well as rinse them out. Mice or rats can pick up the odors and will avoid the trap. The best thing to do is leave the trap in their path, along the wall, for a few days with the system off. Let the rodents get used to it. In a few days add your bait and turn it on. Be sure to use gloves when handling the mouse trap, to avoid the human scent remaining on the unit.

How to Choose an Electronic Humane Mouse Trap

What environment will you use this electronic mouse trap in?

After a few days you will no longer wonder how to catch a mouse. Most units have a notification light of some sort that will let you know when to empty it. One of the best features on several models is that you never have to look at or touch the dead mice, thereby saving you exposure to the number of transmittable rodent diseases such as Hantavirus.

The best products I have found for the job are the divided into two categories. You should buy a product according to how you plan to use it. I use the Rat Zapper in the barn and in the attic. For the kitchen and other place in my home I use the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap.
There are two types of Victor electronic trap, one will hold three mice and the other you need to empty after one mouse catch. The Rat Zapper will catch many mice, and it too, will alert you when it is time to empty it.

Victor Electronic Mouse Trap

How the Electronic Humane Mouse Trap works

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Flickr via Cogdogblog

The Best - Safe to Humans - Humane Mouse Trap 

Making sure you are really getting rid of mice

Two more steps for mouse control

No poisons, no dead mouse smells in your wall, no fidgety mouse traps, no mousetrap escapes, no handling nasty mouse bodies, no bugs breeding in your walls from the dead mouse carcass, no mouse found suffering in a sticky glue traps or glue board, no live rodent to dispose of (that could possibly come back or infest your neighbors). Hands down, the electronic humane mouse traps are the best product for getting rid of mice.

Make sure to seal the entries in which they were coming through as well as repair any damage they have done. Make sure to check your attic for HVAC rodent damage, as if that is not repaired and sanitized you may still be breathing re-circulated rodent bacteria, viruses, feces and carcass. Finding and using the best mouse trap will only prove successful if you follow this three step process.

Best Electronic Mouse Traps

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this lens, I have tried almost all types and brands of mouse traps. There are only two companies that I am familiar with that make electronic mouse traps, Victor and Rat Zapper. You can use a rat trap to catch mice, but they battery life is not as long, and the batteries need to be refreshed often. As always, as an additional safety precaution, wear gloves and a face mask. You will find my Victor Electronic Mouse Trap descriptions below.

Be Sure to watch the impressive videos.
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Multi Catch Humane Electronic Mouse Trap

No touchy no looky mouse trap

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Important!

Is the health and safety of you and your family, neighbors, and yes, even the busy body down the road - foremost on your mind? To some of us, mice are cute, especially if we have pet mice. Contrary to PETA's agenda (and not related to it in a any way) the CDC in combination with Montana Extension study found that setting mice free could actually increase a mouse problem. New mice can immigrate to new buildings after all your hard work.
Center for Disease Control Study
Blog regarding the CDC Study and the effects of releasing mice in the wild

How not to catch a mouse

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Learn about the many diseases you can get by handling mice.

Learn about how rodents can cause fires.

Are you breathing re-circulated rodent contaminates?

Learn how rodents can affect out food supply.

Health Hazards - Property Damage caused by rodents

Article supporting the sticky post

Mice cause of house fire
Mice cause of house fire news article
Mice Karma and a Cat Shelter
Mice Burn down Cat Shelter new article
The Best Mouse Trap | 35 Infectious Diseases Mice Transmit | Best Mouse Trap
When choosing the best mouse trap, consider the disposal method. Rodents carry diseases and you want to be very careful when you come into contact with them.
The Best Mouse Trap | Mice in the attic HVAC System | Best Mouse Trap
Finding the best mouse trap partial solution: Have you checked your HVAC Ducts? Rodents can cause dangerous bacteria to be recirculated in your home
Autopsy Reveals Rats Did Kill Baby | The Morningstarr*
Three month old Natalie Hill died from multiple rat bites a Louisiana coroner has confirmed. The infant was found last week dead in her crib by her

Rodent Strobe Evictor - Rodent DETERRENT

It just works, never even trap a rodent - DETER them!

This rodent strobe is made different than other regular strobes and comes in 10K or 100K candle power. Set this up in your attic or crawl space. This works on many rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoon, rats, feral cats (i've read it works on snakes too). After 24 hours you shut it off for 30 minutes or so to let the freaked out rodents leave. Rodents won't return anytime soon. The manufacturer recommends running it constantly after that, with an occasional shut off. Regarding mice, the inventor says it hasn't been thoroughly tested on mice, but I did find forum comments around the web, that stated it does work with mice. My guess, is that since mice hide in walls, the strobe can't reach them. I read several posts from homeowners that used electronic traps, along with repairing any damage and sanitizing areas, while running the strobe at the same time or intervals until the mice problem was gone. The manufacturer recommends not sealing damage until after about a month, after all the larger rodents have left the premises. My educated guess is that mice would handled a bit different because of the nature in which they live.

Since the 1960's there have been numerous government studies involving wildlife, rodents included, regarding Strobe Light Deterrent Efficacy Tests. Reports state that while this does work, they aren't sure if it is permanent. This is why it is suggested you run it continuously.

Check the

Evictor Strobe Light 10K

Amazon Price: $179.00 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $250.00

The reviews on Amazon are tremendous - It works better than any other deterrent on the market. Sonic repellers are something different and are said not to work, so much so, in 2002 the FTC warned 60 manufacturers to stop claiming 100% results with their Ultra Sonic Repellants. If you have been fighting rodents for years, this may be the solution you are looking for. It's a bit pricy, but the damage rodents can do will definitely cost you more in the long run.

How to get rid of that dead mouse smell

Dead mouse in the wall? Try these products

I personally use the Fresh Wave Continuous Release Odor Eliminator Gel 4 pound container, it's the best amount of the product for the money. Read amazons customer reviews, everyone loves it.
Air fresheners smell fantastic BUT, they only cover the nasty dead rodent odor temporarily.
Odor eliminators work by eliminating the odor but method depends on the type of appliance used.

Fresh Wave Continuous Release Odor Eliminator Gel, 64-Ounce Jar

Basements, garages, attics, bathroom and kitchens more...0 points

Fresh Wave Odor Eliminating Crystals, 16oz + 8oz Free

Fresh Wave continuous release gel is ideal for eliminating more...0 points

6 each: Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Crystal Gel (065)

Sold as one unit. (1 unit = 6 each.) 8 oz. Ideal f more...0 points

Fresh Wave Odor Eliminating Crystals, 16-Ounce Jar (Pack of 4)

Basements, garages, attics, bathroom and kitchens more...0 points

Fresh Wave Super Gel 4 Pounds

Continuous Release Odor Neutralizing Crystals Fres more...0 points

Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Crystals -- 16 oz

Combat musty odors conveniently and effectively wi more...0 points

Fresh Wave Super Gel 4 Pounds

Continuous Release Odor Neutralizing Crystals Fres more...0 points

Fresh 'n Clean Odor Grabber Deluxe 1000 Air Purifier

Fresh 'n Clean Odor Grabber Deluxe 1000 Multiple P more...0 points

Fresh Wave - 32 Oz. Spray Refill Pouch

32 fl. oz soft pouch package Room refreshener refi more...0 points

Winix WAC9500 Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Cleaner with PlasmaWave? Technology

Suitable for a family room or large bedroom; the W more...0 points

Dakota Odor Bomb Car Odor Eliminator - Neutral Air

The Dakota Odor Bomb is a permanent, one-time odor more...0 points

Zero Odor 16 Oz. Molecular Odor Eliminator

Zero Odor® features a patented formulation that e more...0 points

Natures Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

Stain & Odor Remover0 points

Earth Care Odor Removal Bag

Earth Care Odor remover Bags removes the odor even more...0 points

Hamilton Beach Febreze 04291F Odor Removal Filter for Tobacco , 4-pack

Inhales odors, so you don't have to. For use with more...0 points

Zero Odor 16 Oz. Molecular Odor Eliminator

Zero Odor® features a patented formulation that e more...0 points

Zero Odor 8 Oz. Molecular Odor Eliminator

8 Oz, Zero Odor, Molecular Odor Eliminator, Spray. more...0 points

Febreze 04530F Odor Removal Appliance

Febreze brand compact plug-in odor removal applian more...0 points

Dakota Odor Bomb Car Odor Eliminator - Neutral Air

The Dakota Odor Bomb is a permanent, one-time odor more...0 points

Stainless Steel Chef metal MAGIC SOAP Removes STRONG Odors Remover kitchen ONIONS Fish Garlic NEW Lasts Forever

No more washing your hands repeatedly and putting on more...0 points

The Original Bad Air Sponge Odor Neutralant

The Original All purpose Bad Air Sponge Odor Neutralant more...0 points

3M Products - 3M - Office Air Cleaner w/Filtrete Media Filter, 192 sq ft Room Capacity - Sold As 1 Each - Three-stage filter design includes both FiltreteTM filter media and ionization for airborne particulate removal and carbon for odor reduction. - Thre

3M - Office Air Cleaner w/Filtrete Media Filter, 192 more...0 points

Odor4 MCP Odor Spray 22oz

Non-Toxic Alen's Odor4 removal spray's technology absolutely more...0 points

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Room Odor Eliminator

Hamilton Beach True Air Room Odor Eliminator0 points

14400 mgh Shock Treatment Ozone Generator

FOUR TIMES THE POWER OF A STANDARD OZONE GENERATOR more...0 points

view all 32 items

Do you think PETA understands the dangers of Mice?

Personally, I think PETA has lost it's mind when it comes to rodents as PESTS (as opposed to pets). I love animals, we have a donkey, horses, a chinchilla, pygmy goats, show sheep turned into pets, dogs, cats, pet mice, lizards, the list is long; with five kids, you name it we probably had it. I defend some of PETA's issues, but I draw the line at endangering the human race.

During my studies I came across numerous articles about PETA suing Scotts Orthomax, ludicrous protests in front of Walmart, Lowes, Home depot and so many more. The reason? They object to any form of mouse control other than setting mice free.

I want to know what you think. Please don't answer unless you have read this post in it entirety and or visited some of the links, as they explain the dangers in greater detail than I posted here.

Because of PETA's stance on mice, many people do NOT know the dangers. We have a whole new uninformed or mislead generation that only know what they hear through the grapevine. When a rodent incident shows itself, they may act on the knowledge all ready at hand and not investigate farther.

For example, I have seen numerous articles on how to save a mouse from a trap and turn it into a pet. The hazards associated with this action are high. The CDC strongly advises all over their website what the dangers and hazards are.

When a mouse is stuck to a sticky trap (which I agree with PETA are the most inhumane) it will urinate and leave feces. Between trying not to get bit by the freaked out mouse or worse, a rat, one is also subjecting themselves and family to the chance of inhaling or coming into contact with the Hantavirus bacteria or one of the other 59 diseases.

Over the years I've seen suggestions from PETA supporters in forums on how to rescue a mouse from traps and make it a pet. Or should you find mice, you should not exterminate them, but make them more comfortable. Hello? One mice pair can breed 4,500 mice in a year, not to mention the can breed at 19 days and they do this six to eight times a year.

Do we really want to share our homes and property with thousands of mice? Your health could be at risk I equate mice to pest, mosquito, I prefer not to have them around either! If you want to review the sites i am speaking of just google it, I prefer not to reward them with traffic.

Thank you for your participation, I look forward to your comments.

Has PETA lost it's mind when it comes to damage causing, disease laden, deadly wild rodents?

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Yes

davenjilli says:

I HATE mice. When living in the city the very site of one would cause me to scream with out even being conscience of the scream coming! Just last year, after living in the country for several years now, one scurried by me while I was out in the Silo (where we shelter our momma goats) and I didn't even flinch. This was a good lense about dealing with them though, thank you.

No (please logically comment why you defend PETA's actions regarding Rodents ONLY)

 

What say you?

Flickr Via EraPhernaliaVintage
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Electronic Mouse Traps at EBAY

Ebay may save you a few pennies

There are lots of different electronic mouse traps, let me help you find the best value for your money. I know the Victor and Rat Zapper work.
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The Best Mouse Trap Blog

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Best Mouse Trap Blog at Hubpages

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Best Mouse Trap Bookmarks

CDC on Rodent Diseases

Diseases transmitted by Rodents by the Center for Disease Control
Learn the 35 to 60 diseases that are transmitted by rodents and how to spot symptoms
House mouse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What the difference between Mice types?
Mouse and Rat Poison
Learn how to use rodent poison safely

Guestbook Comments

  • Bangladeshi May 8, 2012 @ 12:30 pm | delete
    I hate mouse.Mouse Traps is useful for solve Mouse problem
    How To Get Rid of Mice
  • LampsPest Jan 23, 2012 @ 10:41 pm | delete
    As a pest control company owner I use a varity of traps at each account but have my best success with the old fashion snap traps. Take a moment and stop by and check out my lenses.
  • LampsPest Jan 23, 2012 @ 10:38 pm | delete
    Loved the YouTube video "How not to catch a mouse" . I own a small pest control company and am amazed how many times I hear people say the rodent steals the bait from the trap. If you get a chance come by and check out my lenses
  • sheezie77 Jan 13, 2012 @ 2:54 am | delete
    Nice lens! We use trap that don't kill mouse so that we can let it go outside later:)
  • poddys Dec 21, 2011 @ 1:38 am | delete
    Excellent information on mouse traps. I have used sticky traps before - just once! The sight of a poor mouse with it's leg almost pulled off because it's foot was stuck on the trap, well it was cruel and pitiful. I'm not scared of mice, but we get them in the garage. I have 2 old fashioned traps in there and they do the trick. The bait? The smell of mice! The traps are old and dirty, and I have them in a narrow place where the mice come in. Most weeks the same trap catches a new one, if not both.
  • thebestmousetrap Dec 21, 2011 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    I wrote about my experience stepping in a sticky mouse trap at Christmas years back at my hubpages. Definitely nasty and sticky! thanks for your glowing review.
  • clouda9 Dec 20, 2011 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    Most excellent write up that will sure help me battle the "cute", not!, little field mice we've seen scamper into hiding. It is almost inevitable that mice will visit in our home living out here in the country...your suggestions and ideas are now #1 on my to-do list, we are ditching the snap traps! Thank you. *Blessed today because I learned lots today and I am sure this info will help others too!
  • thebestmousetrap Dec 20, 2011 @ 9:27 pm | delete
    Thank you so much, I blush. I'm glad the ideas are helpful. Good luck mouse hunter!

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My real name is Pam, but since I have taken on Rodents, my buddies and family are teasingly calling me the Rodent Queen. I moved into a country homest... more »

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