How to Get Rid of Mice

If you think you have mouse problems, but you're not sure, look for these signs of mice:

1. Rodents crawling on the floor

If you've seen them, it probably wasn't a figment of your imagination. If it looks like a mouse, it probably is a mouse.

2. Droppings or feces

If you haven't seen the little guy(s) running across your kitchen floor yet, then this is probably what tipped you off and why you're reading this article. Mouse feces are generally rod shaped with a length of 1/8" to 1/4".

3. Damage from gnawing

If you find that the corners of cardboard boxes are gnawed up and shredded, then you may have yourself a mice problem. Mice will chew boxes to get at a food source, and then they'll use the shreds to build a nest.

4. Sounds coming from "in the walls"

This doesn't necessarily mean there's mice in your house, but it does usually mean something is there... either that or you're hallucinating.

5. Rodent odors (mice stink!)

I don't know what else to say about this... if it stinks like a mouse, then it probably is a mouse.

So you know you have a mouse... what you really want to know is how to get rid of mice. Look no further the answer is here. You have a few options when it comes to a mouse traps.

Spring Loaded Bar Mouse Trap

This is the kind you always see on TV with a piece of cheese. It's simple and easy to deploy. Contrary to popular belief however, cheese is not the best bait. Your best bet: peanut butter. Some people have reported that chocolate works well too.

Live Catch Mouse Traps

For those of you that can't stand the sight a of dead mouse, there are various styles of live catch traps. These do as their names imply: they catch mice live to allow you to release later (in a location far, far away from your home).

Havahart Mouse Traps

For those of you that "have a heart" these traps come highly recommended. A link to one of these traps is provided below for your convenience.

Electric Shock Mouse Traps

It probably didn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out, but this class of trap kills mice with an electric shock. It's supposed to be a quick way to rid yourself of the deviant critters.

Your best bet to preventing mice problems in the future is simple. Make sure that all potential food sources are securely stored and inaccessible. Just because you put your box on the top shelf doesn't mean it's inaccessible - mice are incredible climbers. Have a bag of dog food on the floor? Try elevating by placing it on a small shelf.

Since we've all gotta eat, you can only move so much food around. Your best bet is to plug the holes. Mice are able to climb through a hole the size of your pinkie finger. For a quick fix, use steel wool as mice will not be able to chew threw this. For a more permanent fix caulk things up properly at first chance.

Next fall when the mice are looking for a place to stay... You'll be glad you did!