How to Get Rid of Mice in an Attic
Attics are common hiding places for mice, but how can you get rid of them? This guide explains how to get rid of mice in an attic.
Mice happen to be one of the most well-known pests that can invade any home. Although they may seem cute and soft, the mice that run through your house are not the same as what you see when you go to the pet store.
Many mice can carry disease and wreak havoc on destruction, even on a pristine home. They are also considered one of the most difficult types of critters to get rid of if you have an infestation.
The attic is a popular choice for mice to nest. Would you like to know how to get rid of mice in an attic? Get a pro to help by requesting quotes, or read on for helpful advice.
Signs You Have Mice
When you have a mice infestation, you may notice several signs, such as droppings. Mouse droppings tend to leave trails and are often accompanied by food crumbs and scraps.
If you see mouse droppings or hairs, then you should do a sweep of your home to look for holes in walls and corners. These are access points for mice to make their nests and bring food sources back.
Why Do Mice Like Attics?
Attics are attractive to mice because they are usually quiet and secluded. Mice love to chew on cardboard, and may even get into edible decorations that you keep for holidays.
Mice also love the insulation in attics, and will often use it in their nests. Attics are usually warmer than the rest of the home, so they may be more attracted to the attic in the colder months.
Mice are Most Active at Night
If you find yourself hearing scurrying or other noises during the night, you may have a problem with mice. Because mice are sensitive to light, they can navigate more easily when it is dark out.
You may have better luck seeing mice at night. If you want to get rid of mice, make sure that you bait them when they venture out for food or nesting supplies.
The Damage Mice Cause
Even though they may seem like harmless creatures, mice can inflict huge amounts of damage to your home. Over time, they can chew away at insulation, which can cause major problems and raise your heating or air conditioning bill.
Mice will even try to gnaw at wood if it is the only resource available. In the foundation or frame of the home, this can be an expensive problem to fix.
Mouse droppings often have a musty smell, and they can also play a role in spreading disease. Even if you do not see the mice, their urine or droppings can be infected with all kinds of diseases, such as hantavirus or even the bubonic plague.
How to Get Rid of Mice in the Attic
Once you find out you have a problem with mice, you need to do everything in your power to get rid of them. Here are some of the best ways that you can eliminate your mouse population and prevent it from causing permanent damage to your home.
Prevent Access to Food Containers
If mice find a food source, they will nest near it and try to access it as much as possible. One of the first steps in mice removal is to cut off their food source, which is usually made up of dry goods or open foods.
Make sure to seal all containers and pack loose bulk foods into airtight jars or plastic bins. Try not to keep anything in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. These are easy for mice to gnaw through and they will still be able to take the food if they are sealed.
Set Out Mousetraps
When you identify a mouse issue in your house, then you should try to control the population as much as possible. You can do this by setting mousetraps near food sources or nesting materials.
Though you may think that cheese is a good idea, peanut butter is actually the most effective bait for a mousetrap. Since mice are attracted to nuts, they will get stuck more easily with a nut spread.
Place mousetraps in places that you have noticed active rodents. If you haven’t seen mice in person, try positioning the traps where you see mouse hair, nesting materials, or droppings.
Close Potential Points of Entry
Mice in your attic most likely gain access through the roof and openings formed by wear and tear on your home. If you have foliage near your home, such as bushes and trees, you should trim it so that mice cannot get in.
Do a self-inspection of your home and look at floors, corners, closets, and other secluded areas that could be a way for mice to get through. Once you find holes, make sure to seal all of them permanently.
Consider Using Pest Control Services
If you find yourself with a larger rodent problem on your hands, then it may be time to contact a pest control company. The cost may vary depending on how much work needs to be done, and how bad the mice problem actually is in your home.
A pest control company will do an initial inspection to assess the damage to your property. They may observe droppings and nest-building materials to get a good idea of where the mice are living.
If you have a few mice, then a pest control company can set some traps to take care of the problem. However, if there are many mice that can cause more damage, then fumigation may be required. The costs for these services can vary wildly.
Control Your Mouse Population
You should no longer be wondering how to get rid of mice in an attic. With these tips and tricks, you can do your best to keep your home free of pests and rodents.
Want to learn more about keeping rodents and critters out of your home? Contact us today for more information, or to request a quote for our extermination services.
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