How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House Fast

 

To quickly get rid of mice in your house, you should combine sealing all entry points, removing anything that attracts them, and using traps or safe baits to eliminate the ones already inside. Prevention is as important as removal. Here’s an in-depth, step-by-step guide you can follow for fast and thorough results.

 

Find and Seal Entry Points

 

Mice can squeeze through tiny cracks—holes as small as a dime. Carefully check your house, inside and out, especially near doors, windows, vents, pipes, and the foundation.

• Seal gaps using steel wool stuffed into cracks, then cover with caulk or foam. Mice can’t chew through steel wool.
• Add door sweeps to exterior doors so mice can’t slip underneath.
• Cover vents and chimneys with fine wire mesh (also called hardware cloth).
• Repair broken window screens.

 

Eliminate Food Sources and Nesting Areas

 

Removing mice food and hiding spots forces them to leave and look elsewhere.

• Keep all food—including pet food—in airtight containers or in the fridge.
• Clean up crumbs and spills right away. Sweep and vacuum floors, counters, and under appliances daily.
• Take out trash regularly, and keep trash cans tightly closed.
• Declutter rooms, garages, and storage spaces. Don’t leave piles of boxes, newspapers, clothing, or other clutter for mice to hide in.
• Fix leaky pipes. Mice need water, too.

 

Use Traps for Fast Elimination

 

Mousetraps are the quickest way to catch and kill mice. Here’s what you need to know:

• Classic snap traps work well and are inexpensive—set them along walls, behind furniture, and where you see droppings.
• Use many traps at once (more is always better).
• Bait traps with peanut butter, chocolate, oatmeal, or small bits of bacon.
• Place traps where you see signs of mice: droppings, chewed items, or rub marks along walls (mice run along walls, not out in the open).
• Wear gloves when handling traps so your scent doesn't scare mice off.
• Check traps daily, and dispose of dead mice promptly in sealed bags.
• For those wanting humane options, live traps can catch mice alive so you can release them far from your home, but be aware mice released nearby may return.

 

Use Bait Stations Safely

 

Bait stations contain poison inside a tamper-proof box. Only use these if you are sure pets and children will not be exposed.

• Place bait stations along mouse paths, under cabinets, and near suspected nests.
• Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
• Never place open poison directly in your home. Mice may transport poison, risking secondary poisoning of pets or children.
• If you notice a strong smell, it could mean a mouse died in a hidden spot. Be ready to find and remove carcasses.

 

Clean Up and Prevent Future Problems

 

After removing mice, disinfect all surfaces and continue prevention:

• Wear gloves when cleaning up droppings and nesting material. Spray with disinfectant before cleaning to avoid breathing dust.
• Repair and re-check sealed entry points.
• Continue storing food properly and keeping the home clean and clutter-free.
• Trim shrubs and trees away from the house so mice can’t get onto the roof.

 

Know When to Call a Professional

 

If you keep seeing mice even after these steps, contact a pest control professional. Some infestations are too large or hidden for DIY methods, and pros have access to stronger products and tools.