Mice are destructive creatures, that is why you should ensure that they do not intrude into your home or your business premises especially into the walls. These small creatures can damage wires, they can also damage the insulation and even some parts of your walls. Not only is this very expensive to repair, but it can also pose some dangerous threats as well.
If you are now stuck on how to get rid of mice in the walls and prevent them from coming back, this article will be of great help to you. Our pest control experts have compiled simple tips that can help you protect your home. In this article, we will explain how mice get into homes, how to tell if you have a mouse problem, and how to get rid of them.
How do the Mice Get into Homes?
Some common ways that mice can gain access into your home include:
- Construction defects
- Air conditioning ducts
- Entries for pipes and wires
- Poorly sealed doors and or windows
- Crawl spaces
- Roof vents
- Chimney pipes
- Once they gain entry into the house the mice will begin to construct nests and lay offspring. A female mouse can have 5-15 litters of babies in a year! That is why it is crucial to act as soon as a mouse appears in your home.
How to know if you have Mice in the Walls?
How do you know if mice are living in your walls? Here are some clear signs to look for:
- Mouse Droppings: These are signs that are proof-positive of mouse infestation around your home – small, dark droppings.
- Chewed Food Packages: If you notice that your food packages have been damaged or if there are holes in your food bags then it could be due to the activities of mice.
- Noises at Night: Mice are most active at night. Some of the signs include: If you hear scrabbling, chirping, or chattering noise in the walls or on the ceiling you may have mice.
- Bad Smells: This is a rather gross smell, or a very unpleasant smell that could indicate that there are mice in the walls, or even dead mice.
If you experience or encounter such signs, then it is advisable to address the issue before it becomes worse.
Natural Methods to get rid of mice in your walls
Crushed Red Peppers: To keep mice away, sprinkle crushed red pepper where you have observed the activities of the mice. The smell is very irritating to the mice and will repel them.
Dish Soap and Water: To help prevent mice from entering the house put small bowls with soapy water in the zones which seem affected. The smell of the soap can put off the mice.
Other Methods
If natural remedies don't work, here are some other options:
Snap Traps: These are types of traps that are used to attract the mice with the help of bait and then catch them instantly. These are one of the most popular ways of getting rid of the mice.
Live Traps: Such traps capture the mice without causing any harm to them.
Ultrasonic Repellers: These devices produce ultrasonic frequencies that make mice run away from the area. These are not harmful to humans and pets, however, make sure that you place them in areas that you have seen the mice.
What if There Are Dead Mice in the Walls?
Sometimes the mice in your walls might die and this will lead to what I will call a nasty odor. This is usually the case when a dead mouse is found, and to get it out, one has to cut into the wall and this is best done by a professional. They will also ensure that the mouse is captured and if need be they will fix the wall as well.
How to Prevent Mice from Coming Back
After you get rid of the mice, you don't want them to come back; you have to take some precautions:
Seal Cracks and Holes: To this end one should seal the gaps using materials such as steel mesh or cement. It has been established that mice can chew through plastic, wood and rubber; hence these should not be used.
Fix Screens and Seals: Fix every gap found in the window screens or the door seals.
Keep Food Secure: Keep food in sealed containers and ensure that you clean up any food crumbs or spills immediately.
Cleaning Up After Mice
To prevent the spread of disease after eliminating mice, clean up after them. Wear gloves and a mask and clean all surfaces with a bleach solution. Dispose of any items that were affected and wash your hands throughout the process.
Call the Experts
If none of these methods work, it's time to seek the services of a Positve Pest Management. Many people think that they can deal with mice on their own, but the truth is that only a professional knows how to do it right and how to ensure that the mice will not come back.
