These Are the Most Effective Way To Eliminate Mice

With Fall in full swing, homeowners in Springfield, Ludlow, Chicopee, and all-over Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are finding that mice are starting to make their way into their homes. As mice are detected, they also reach for the number one OTC tool to eliminate mice…the mousetrap. They are a very viable method for pest management, but they come in many forms. We will cover which form of trap is best for your home. We’ll also cover additional, non-trap, methods for evicting mice from your home.

Old School, but Tried and True

The classic, spring-loaded mouse trap (commonly known as a “snap-trap”) has been a staple of mice infestation management for over a century. The premise is simple: mouse bait placed on a pressure-sensitive trigger sets off a tension rod that snaps closed when a rodent puts weight on the lever. In pop culture, the traps are baited using cheese. This is a common misconception, and you would be more successful with a more nutrient-dense and odorous bait such as peanut butter or Nutella.

We’ve Come a Long Way

While the classic “snap-trap” is successful on its own, there are additional types of traps you should know about. Multi-catch live traps work on the premise that mice attract other mice. The mouse enters the trap and is essentially locked in, unable to go out the way it came. Their noise and scent attract other mice who also get trapped. The shortcomings of this kind of trap are that they are more expensive and require you to have to deal with disposing of live mice!  

Glue traps are very popular and can also catch multiple mice.  The number caught depends on the size of the trap.  As with multi-catch live traps, you will have to deal with the live mice stuck to the glue. We recommend that you choose the smaller traps so you will catch fewer mice per trap and can toss the traps as the mice are captured.    

Eliminate Mice by Keeping Them Out, to Begin With

The best way to keep mice out of your home is to prevent them from having access. Use caulk on cracks and holes in the foundation and siding of your home—especially where utility pipes enter. Repair or install mesh screens on vents, and even your chimney. Ensure any tree limbs that are near your home, either from above or the sides, are pruned back. This will prevent them from accessing your attic via your roof. Repair weather stripping on doors and windows, even if the gaps are very small. These solutions are known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A holistic, multi-method preventative approach that is better than a singular, reactionary solution.

All of the Above

To truly ensure all of your bases are covered, you should plan to deploy whichever trap is best for your home. Following preventative measures is a good practice not only for eliminating mice but other pests like, termites, ticks, and ants. A good professional will use a combination of all these methods to capture and eliminate mice in your home and help prevent them from getting in in the first place. Pest management professionals also know the most efficient and effective bait and trap set locations for your home.

Learn how to tell if you’ve got a mouse problem and how to prevent them from getting into your home. If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices, call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us today. We have the knowledge and the services necessary to help keep your home pest-free!