How to Kill House Mice
House mice can be real pests, especially if there are several families in one home. It is important to eliminate this problem quickly and efficiently due to the damage that mice may cause to property, the household itself, or even personal health. There are several methods to dispose of these rodents; some are more efficient than others. Traps are effective when only a few mice need to be eradicated. Poison is effective for larger quantities of rodents. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Seal up any hole larger than a quarter-inch with nonplastic material. Plastic and metal screening should not be used because they are easily gnawed through. Similarly, door and window frames should be fitted with metal to eliminate the possibility of gnawing. Sealing around pipes, vents and utility cables can be accomplished with concrete.
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Set traps. Use good-quality mousetraps and set them where mouse droppings have been seen. To set the trap, the metal U is pulled back and held in place with the metal rod; a piece of food, usually cheese, is placed in the baiting area.
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Check traps. If a mouse takes the bait, the metal rod is released and the metal U springs on top of the mouse, usually killing it instantly. Using a plastic bag, pick up the trap with the mouse and place it in the trash.
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Use rodenticides for large amounts of mice. Choose either anticoagulant or non-anticoagulant rodenticide. Anticoagulants cause the rodent internal bleeding and damage to the capillaries. Non-anticoagulants cause a variety of effects including paralysis, hypercalcemia and asphyxia. Both are effective at killing mice, but anticoagulents may cause bleeding.
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Dispose of mice that have been killed by rodenticide properly. Because rodenticides are so lethal, they can also be potentially dangerous to the ecological structure of the surrounding area. Place mice in sealed bags in a covered trash can to prevent dogs or wildlife from ingesting poisoned mice.
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Tips & Warnings
Mice prefer fresh food over spoiled or rancid food, so make sure traps have fresh bait.
Be careful when setting mouse traps. The springs are very strong and can break a finger when snapped. Poor-quality traps have loose triggers and can snap inadvertently. When using rodenticide, make sure to keep pets away from it.
References
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Comments
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calidonia
Oct 25, 2009
I prefer humane mouse traps. It is hard to tell at first if another mouse that enters your house is the same one. When I catch a mouse or mice, I drive to a forest or grass field that is not by any homes to release them. Driving about 1 mile or more is best so that the mouse doesn't accidentally enter your house again. When a mouse is caught, look for unique markings and remember them! Or, use permanent black marker to mark the mouses tail or fur. For the next mouse that enters your house look for the markings. To keep mice out of your home, seal up cracks and holes and keep your home clean! Keep in mind some mice may just be trying to find a warm place for the winter. Also look out for new development as mice may be displaced from their natural homes and may enter yours.
