Nobody likes the idea of mice living in their house with them. Ignoring these unwelcome guests for too long however can be a big mistake. With the ability to breed several times each year, a small rodent problem can quickly blossom into a full blown infestation if left unchecked.
As cute as the little cartoon characters on television might be, the fact is that mice are destructive and can carry disease. If you own a home, you should learn to keep an eye open for the tell tale signs of mouse activity. One of the easiest things to spot is mouse droppings. These little critters do not have very good manners and if you start seeing these left behind in drawers, cabinets, or even on countertops, you’ve got your sign. Likewise, keep an eye out for signs that they have been chewing things like cardboard boxes or other sources of food.
If you are wondering about how to get rid of mice as quickly as possible, you have several options. Before resorting to calling an expensive exterminator, you might want to try dealing with the problem on your own. There are several types of traps sold today. One of the most popular styles is still the traditional spring loaded mouse trap. These are inexpensive and very efficient. They do however have a high potential for being rather messy, and people with an aversion to gore will probably want to avoid them. A “cleaner” option to consider is electronic mouse traps. These are powered by standard dry cell batteries. When the mouse goes after the bait in one of these units, they are hit with a lethal jolt that is effective, but much less messy than using a spring loaded set up. For those truly sensitive types, there are also humane traps which capture the mouse and leave it unharmed. The downside here is that the homeowner has to deal with relocating an aggravated mouse that is still alive.
If you prefer to avoid dealing with the mice altogether, you could try using something to repel them. Many people swear by moth balls as a mouse deterrent. These can be hazardous to pets and small children though. They also smell pretty bad. A less offensive smell (to humans) that sometimes works to drive mice away is peppermint. Peppermint oil and mice do not mix well. The smell is enough to motivate mice to pack up their things and leave. To use this method, simply place a bit of the oil on small pieces of cotton and place them in the spots that mice frequent. If all goes well, your house will be minty smelling and mouse free within a few days.
No matter what method you choose to try, do not ignore a problem with mice. Once they become established, they can be much more difficult to get out of the house. Strike early and don’t be shy about trying more than one method. Your goal is to get rid of mice as quickly as possible.
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