You’ve heard the scurry of tiny paws across the floor; you’ve noticed a few gnawed-on cords; it’s time to face the facts. You have a mouse in your house. There’s no need to panic, but you do need to take action. Here’s what to do if there is mouse in your house.

Check the Area

Before you do anything else, you’ll want to check the area where the mice are congregating. If there’s an obvious point of entry, you’ll need to address it promptly. Delaying action could lead to damage or danger in your home. Inspect the areas where a mouse has been spotted, and check for and repair any damage. This includes

Removing or repairing electrical cords
Cleaning up any food or crumbs
Removing mouse droppings and sanitizing affected areas

Once you’ve handled the immediate issue, you can begin to formulate your strategy. Focus on problem areas, and don’t ignore signs of a larger infestation.

Mouse-Proof Your Home

After you’ve taken care of problem areas, it’s time to mouse-proof your home. While it may take some time to eliminate the rodents that have already made it inside, there’s no reason to allow any more of their furry friends in your house. Start outside by inspecting the exterior of your home. Seal any cracks in the siding or foundation, and repair loose or damaged trim. Once you’ve addressed external entry-points, move inside and seal any holes with steel wool and caulk. Never underestimate a rodent’s ability to fit through an entry point, no matter how small. When it comes to mouse-proofing your home, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Set Traps

Once you’ve eliminated the chances of future unwelcome house guests, it’s time to address your current mouse situation. There are various methods of extermination, but the primary option is the tried and true mousetrap. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

When available, choose a spring-loaded trap over a sticky trap. Mice are alive and can urinate when stuck in a sticky trap, and their bodily fluids can transmit diseases.
You may need to try several different kinds of bait on your spring-loaded traps in order to find something that’s appealing to the mice in your home.
Position spring-loaded traps perpendicular to the wall in areas with high mouse traffic, like behind a piece of furniture.

Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you can’t eliminate the entire mouse population in your home. When damage continues and time drags on, it may be time to call in a professional. Pest control experts will work with you to rid your home of vermin for good.

Prevent Future Problems

Now that you’re on the path to recovery, it’s time to take some precautionary steps to prevent a future outbreak:

Keep all food in sealed containers.
Close doors and windows when not in use.
Repair holes in siding, foundation, and screens.
Use mousetraps in gateway areas like the garage.
Schedule regular pest control services.

If you’re fighting a losing battle against mice and other rodents, call Springer in Des Moines. The professionals at Springer can assess the situation, treat the problem, and protect your home from future infestation. Springer’s pest control professionals combine three different techniques to ensure that all rodents have been removed from your property. Trust Springer with all of your residential pest control needs. Give us a call today!