Once mice have made their way into your home, it can be quite a challenge to get rid of them. Time is of the essence though, as many feral rodents carry a host of diseases that can affect your respiratory health and the safety of the food you eat. Unfortunately though, it's not enough to just lay down traps and hope for the best, so it's important to come with a plan of attack that includes several necessary components.

Keep New Intruders Out

Before you can start dealing with the problem inside your home, you have to take measures to prevent more mice from taking up residence. This should start with a thorough inspection of all exterior surfaces, inside and out, to find potential entry points. These can be hidden along overhangs, behind vents, under roof flashing, or anywhere that wood framing and masonry come together.

Being thorough is key, and when you do come across a potential rodent hole it's important that you take steps to ensure it will never again provide access to your home. Start by packing steel wool or wire mesh into the hole that rodents can't chew through. Once filled, seal the hole with expanding foam or wood putty that will hold the mesh in place and act as a barrier to the elements.

Dealing With the Interlopers

Traps are one of the most effective means of removing mice from your home, but some homeowners prefer humane options. No-kill traps are available, but must be checked more frequently than other products. If you choose a no-kill trap, make sure you're releasing the mice in an area far away from your home so that they aren't likely to come back in search of an entry point you might have missed.

When placing traps of any kind, make sure you're choosing dark, sheltered, out of the way areas that don't see much traffic from you or your family. Garages, pantries, laundry rooms and under cabinets are prime locations that mice like to use to gain access to other parts of your home. Don't neglect your attic or basement either, as these parts of your home provide virtually everything a mouse needs in a long term shelter.

Finding mice in your home can be quite a shock, regardless of how you make the discovery. Once you know they're present, it's time to take action. Whether you choose to take them on alone or hire a professional such as Godfather's Exterminating Inc to do the job, make sure you're committed to doing your part to make sure they stay gone. Keep doors closed, keep food containers sealed and make sure any plumbing issues get resolved promptly, and you'll have the least mouse-friendly environment you can possibly create.

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