How to Get Rid of Mice: What Works and What Does Not

Plenty of mouse advice online sounds convincing and does very little. Before you spend time on a remedy, it helps to know what is likely to make a difference.

Here is an honest run-through of the popular options, from the ones that rarely work to the approaches that tackle the cause.

Remedies that often disappoint

Peppermint oil, mothballs, ultrasonic plug-ins and strong smells are widely sold and widely repeated. In practice, mice tend to get used to them or simply ignore them when food and warmth are nearby. They may move a short distance, then return.

Mothballs also carry risks if used around children and pets. Treat these methods as a minor extra at most rather than a solution.

Cats can catch the odd mouse, but they do not reliably clear an infestation, as most of the activity takes place in hidden spaces such as wall cavities and lofts.

Traps: useful, with care

Properly placed snap traps and some enclosed traps can catch mice, which is why they are commonly used. Placement matters. Mice run along walls, so traps should sit against the skirting with the trigger end toward the wall, in places children and pets cannot reach.

Check traps regularly, wear gloves when disposing of the animal and wash your hands afterwards. Glue boards are cruel and not recommended. Using too few traps is a typical mistake, since a house with one mouse seen often has several.

Reset traps only after cleaning them, and consider moving them if nothing has been caught after a few nights, as mice avoid unfamiliar objects at first.

• Place against walls, where mice travel
• Keep clear of children and pets
• Check daily and dispose of safely
• Use enough traps for the area

Do not leave food on offer

Mice only need a tiny amount to survive. Store cereals, grains, pet food and snacks in hard plastic, glass or metal containers. Clear crumbs, sweep under appliances and do not leave dirty dishes out overnight.

This will not remove mice that are already established, but it makes traps and other control methods work much better because there is less competition from easy food.

Block the way in

Mice can pass through very small gaps. Seal holes around pipes, gaps beside kitchen units, damaged air bricks and gaps under doors. Hard-wearing materials are better than soft ones, since mice will chew through foam and plastic.

Closing gaps without first clearing the mice can trap them inside, so check the property before sealing and monitor afterwards.

Do not forget outbuildings and garages. Mice that live there can move into the house when the weather turns colder.

When a professional makes sense

If signs keep returning, activity is in several rooms, or you cannot find where they are getting in, it is time for an inspection. A pest controller can identify the nesting areas and entry points, apply suitable treatment and advise on proofing, usually with follow-up visits.

Over-the-counter bait is available, but it carries risks for children, pets and wildlife, and dead mice can end up in places you cannot reach. Essex Pest Solutions can advise on the right approach for your home, rental or business; cost depends on the scale of the problem and the property.

Ask any professional what the plan is, how many visits are expected and how entry points will be dealt with, so there are no surprises.

Frequently asked questions