At this time of year, there’s one pest we get called for more than any other: mice. If you own a home in New England, you’re no stranger to mice in your home. Like us, many of our clients are animal lovers and some would prefer not to have mice suffer to remove them from their homes. To that end, we’ve collected some DYI non-poison options for mice removal and prevention.
Want someone else to take care of them? Call us now at 413-566-8222.
Pros and cons of store-bought no-kill traps
No-kill traps for mice and rodents go by a few names. They are sometimes referred to as “humane” or “catch and release.” These types of traps are typically available at your local hardware store and online. Like any kind of trap, it has positives and negatives to use.
Pros
- If your goal is to prevent a pest from suffering, a catch-and-release trap is the most effective.
- These types of traps are typically between $10 and $20 making them relatively inexpensive to try.
- Catch-and-release traps are intended to be reusable.
Cons
- Because you’re attempting to catch a pest alive, these traps must be checked daily—especially in peak season.
- When you do catch a mouse, you will need to follow the safety instructions on the trap very closely. These are not pets and can carry germs and diseases.
- You’ll need to release any caught mice a significant distance from your home, well over 1,200 meters/0.75 miles to be sure they don’t return.
Pros and cons of snap traps
There are types of traps that are lethal, but immediate, that don’t use poison. At Graduate, we utilize multiple methods for controlling mouse infestations. One of which is the classic “snap trap” that has been a pest control staple for over a hundred years. This spring-loaded contraption is designed to release a bar when a pressure-sensitive lever, typically baited, is activated.
Pros
- Snap traps are cheap and readily available almost anywhere.
- As a long-time tool of exterminators everywhere, a quality made trap of this type is very reliable and proven to get the job done. Like any tool, the knowledge to use it properly is key.
- Because the traps are lethal, there is no handling of a live pest.
Cons
- If your goal is to avoid harming a mouse, a lethal trap may not be for you.
- You will need to remove activated traps which means handling a dead pest. Wear gloves.
Prevention is the best tool to get rid of mice without poison
To truly get rid of mice without poison, your best bet is to take measures to prevent mice from entering your home in the first place. Here are some quick tips:
- Scan your home’s foundation regularly for gaps and openings
- Repair cracks, gaps, and ill-fitting doors, windows, etc.
- Move firewood away from your home. A good general rule is 20 feet for small amounts that will get used up quickly and 50 feet for your large seasonal storage
- Keep brush piles and other accumulated items away from your foundation
Additional Reading:
You can’t always prevent mice from getting in, but you can minimize the exposure. Our team at Graduate Pest Solutions specializes in prevention. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!