Yes, you can get rid of mice without harming them. The main goal is to make your space unattractive and unreachable. Here's how to do it step by step.

Reviewed for content accuracy by Daniel Brady, CEO of Anchor Pest Services, NH — 20+ years experience in humane rodent control.

Seal Off All Entry Points

Mice squeeze through holes as small as a pencil (6mm). Inspect around the foundation, windows, doors, pipes, attic, basement, and vents. Fill small gaps with steel wool, use caulk or expanding foam for cracks, and metal flashing or wire mesh for larger holes. Check under sinks and behind appliances — these are popular entry points.

Remove Food and Water Sources

Store food in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids. Don't leave dishes out overnight. Sweep up crumbs regularly. Fix leaky pipes and don't leave pet water bowls out at night.

Declutter and Organize

Mice nest in messy spaces. Clear piles of paper, old boxes, and fabric especially in basements, garages, and closets. Keep storage items off the floor.

Use Humane Live Traps

Bait catch-and-release traps with peanut butter, grains, or chocolate. Check traps twice a day — a mouse left too long suffers. Release mice at least 1 mile (preferably 2 miles) from your property in a wild, non-residential area such as a field or wooded area. Research shows mice released within 300 feet of capture return within 24 hours.

An Honest Note for NH Winters

Releasing mice outdoors in New Hampshire during winter (November–March) means releasing them into freezing temperatures without established shelter. For many homeowners, a quick-kill snap trap may result in less overall suffering than prolonged exposure to a NH winter. This is worth considering when choosing your approach.

Natural Deterrents

Peppermint oil, cloves, and cayenne pepper near entry points may temporarily discourage mice — but mice adapt within days. These are not solutions for an active infestation. Ultrasonic devices have not been shown to work reliably.

Maintain the Outdoors

Trim shrubs and branches touching the house. Keep compost sealed and garbage closed. Don't stack firewood against the foundation.

What If Mice Are Already Nesting?

Wearing gloves, carefully remove the nest and clean the area with disinfectant. If young mice are present, release the nest together so the mother can tend to them.

If the problem persists after consistent effort, contact Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118 for humane, eco-friendly options.

‍