How to Catch Mice in the Attic

Although climbing is involved, a mouse can easily access a house through the attic.

Mice are extremely persistent pests that cause damage to structure and electrical components in an attic. Mice can climb with ease. Since there are rarely easy access points at ground level, they sometimes follow the heat from exhaust vents to find entry through the roof. A homeowner will need to find the entry points and then set traps to keep the mice out of the attic.

Things You'll Need

• 5 to 8 Mouse traps
• 1/8 tbsp. peanut butter per trap
• Latex gloves

Instructions

Inspect the Attic

1. Enter the attic space during the daytime and look for obvious signs of daylight. Anywhere daylight is coming in could be an access point for a mouse.

2. Inspect points in the roof and side walls for vents, electrical and plumbing for any cracks.

3. Follow the mouse paths and droppings in the insulation back to outside walls. This may lead to their access point into the attic.

Set Traps

1. Bait traps with a small amount of peanut butter. Peanut butter stays on the trap better than cheese and reduces instances of traps being set off without actually catching a mouse.

2. Set traps along the mouse paths in the attic insulation. Set multiple traps, and make note of which ones get the most business. That could help determine the location of the access point.

3. Check the traps for catches no more than daily. Move empty traps to another location and add bait as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only a small amount of peanut butter to bait each trap. Mice do not eat much at one time and using too much peanut butter may allow them to eat the peanut butter without setting off the trap.

• Don't set traps in the middle of open areas - mice will stay close to walls and other objects that offer concealment.

• Mice carry diseases. Always wear protective gloves, long sleeves and wash thoroughly after handling traps or dead mice.

• Use caution when handling mouse traps. Traps close with a lot of force and can cause serious injury.

• Under no cirumstances should traps be set where they may be accessible to pets or children. This can cause serious injury.

References

• Orkin: Rodents
• United Wildlife Control: Mice Control