Are you starting to hear scratching sounds coming from the ceiling or walls? If so, there’s a decent chance you have mice in the attic.
In this situation, it’s best to confirm your suspicions right away. As cute as they may look, mice can wreak havoc on your wires and insulation. They can also contaminate your food and spread diseases through their droppings.
The good news: there’s a time-proven method to get mice out of the attic and walls. Here’s a four-step guide that will help you achieve that quickly!
Inspect the Premises
First things first: inspect your home thoroughly. You’re not only looking for mice and their droppings but also clues to their movements.
Keep in mind that mice and their droppings can cause allergic reactions and transmit disease. Prepare for that by wearing nitrile gloves and eye protection during your inspection. Bring a flashlight as well!
During the inspection, check every part of your home’s exterior for gaps. That includes the chimney, eaves, and roofline. Watch out for ruined insulation or shredded paper and plastic, as these are common signs of nesting.
Remove Food Sources
When inspecting, try to eliminate all food and water sources. Mice are omnivores, but they do prefer seeds, grains, and fruits.
A bird feeder, in particular, can be a major mouse attractant. If you have a bird feeder, consider moving it away from the house. It will continue to attract mice, but it may prevent them from getting too comfortable.
Next, check for water sources. Some may not be removable (like a pond), but you can fix any leaks you come across. Consider changing the watering times from night to morning to deter nocturnal rodents.
Seal Any Entry Points
With some luck, your inspection will identify gaps and holes that may allow the mice into your attic. Next step: sealing those gaps.
The best material for this job is steel wool or excluder fabric. These materials are prickly, so handle them with heavy-duty work gloves. Don’t use spray foam, as mice will chew through it like butter!
If the gap is too big for the above method, use metal flashing or steel mesh sheets. Cut the sheet to the right size, then screw it into place. This fix may take a bit more time, but it also provides longer protection.
Place and Check Traps
Once you’ve sealed the entry points, it’s time to deal with the mice trapped inside. The best way to do that is to use mouse traps for the attic.
The ideal tool for this job is a snap trap, but only if you’re sure you’re dealing with mice. If your “mice” are rats, your traps won’t be big enough for them. Rats are also smarter, so they’ll start hiding their tracks better.
If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with mice or rats, it’s best to call a professional. Experienced pest services, such as this pest control company, can take care of any pests in your home.
Get Rid of Mice in the Attic Today!
As you can see, mice control isn’t that complicated. That said, having mice in the attic can still be a stressful affair. If you’re not sure you can do the job well, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help!
Want to know more about how to get rid of mice in an attic with no access? Keep reading our Home Improvement section!
