Who wants to be a victim of a mouse infestation at home? No one. Unfortunately, even though it is never intended, it is a very real occurrence. A wealth of resources are available on the subject. Some, however, recommend questionable methods. If you are a victim of a mouse infestation in your home, here’s what to do.
Confirm the infestation problem in your home
Mice are stealthy. Even if you think you see one in the corner of your eye, it’s better to be certain. As soon as you spot one inside your home, you immediately suspect that there is a nest somewhere in your home, whether it is in your walls, in the basement or in the attic. Most people don’t realize the extent of the infestation until the problem is fairly overwhelming. The most obvious signs of a mouse infestation are the presence of feces, a smell of urine and chewed food or walls. You may also hear scratches during the night. If you think you are dealing with a mouse infestation, a professional who offers a residential extermination service can verify it for you.
Setting mouse traps isn’t so straightforward
Eliminating a mouse infestation in your home starts with sealing potential entry points. Then it’s time to tackle the problem by setting traps. There are two main types of mouse traps: snap hook traps, which are spring-loaded, and glue traps, which immobilize a mouse with an adhesive surface. Some people discourage glue traps, because the immobilized mouse is still alive and can urinate out of fear, which can spread harmful diseases.
Once you have your traps in hand, you have to choose a mouse bait to attract them. You can use a variety of bait, including peanut butter, seeds or nuts and pet food. Poison is generally not recommended, since this type of bait is harmful to pets. However, it becomes necessary and effective in some cases of rodent infestation.
The location of the traps is vital. Mice are curious and rather cautious creatures. We recommend that traps be placed perpendicular to a wall. Try to place the traps where you have noticed high activity, such as behind furniture or in a dark area. Sometimes you will have to move the traps to different places, since the mice will try to avoid the traps, especially if you have already caught a few in that area.
When should you call a professional exterminator to deal with a mouse infestation in your home?
Mouse infestation in the home is not impossible to deal with yourself. However, the process requires a lot of time and energy. For the best results, an experienced exterminator can solve the problem more effectively.
Are you struggling with a mouse infestation in your home? Contact Boisvert Gestion Parasitaire. In addition to providing a guaranteed service, our professional exterminators will carry out a thorough inspection of your home to restore your peace of mind.