- 1). Search all areas of stored food and look for packages that have holes in them. Once mice find a ready food source, they will return to it often. Inspect kitchen storage areas first, but include other food sources, as well, such as both open and stored pet, bird and other wildlife food.
- 2). Find their water source by checking around the water heater first; in most cases, this is their primary water. Look for their small, black droppings under and behind the refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine.
- 3). Inspect plumbing fixtures, particularly those hidden from view, such as beneath sinks in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and garage, again looking for their droppings.
- 1). Pick from traditional style snap traps, glue boards or poisonous bait. You'll have to re-bait traditional traps often, and you must contend with the dead mouse. Glue boards do not require bait, but you will still have to see the body. With poisonous bait, you usually don't have to deal with a carcass; however, sometimes the mice will die in inaccessible areas, such as in walls, and you will have to smell them for up to two weeks until they dry.
- 2). Bait traps with peanut butter because it lasts a long time. Place these and/or glue boards along walls near their food or water source (mice travel along walls for safety).
- 3). Place poisonous bait in a sealed envelope. This allows it to stay fresh longer and mice will tear into it to get to it. Place them along walls too but make sure they are out of reach of children and pets. Poisonous bait contains a bitter agent that all but mice despise, but don't take the chance.
- 4). Keep mice out of the home by filling any gaps that are large enough to put your index finger into. For areas where plumbing and wires enter, stuff them with steel wool. For larger gaps, repair them with materials that match your home.
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