To get rid of mice, seal the gaps they use to enter, remove food and nesting materials, trap mice already inside, and clean droppings safely. Work in that order, but combine the steps: sealing alone will not remove mice already in the house, and trapping alone will not stop new ones from getting in.
1. Confirm activity and find likely entry routes
Look for droppings in cabinets, drawers, under sinks, and near food; shredded paper or fabric; chewed food packaging; gnaw marks; holes; or a stale odor. After cleaning waste safely, check the area for fresh droppings. New signs may mean mice are still active.
Inspect indoors and outdoors, paying particular attention to gaps around pipes, electrical and gas lines, doors, windows, vents, appliances, foundations, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. The CDC says a mouse can fit through a hole just 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) wide, so small openings matter. CDC guidance on sealing openings
2. Seal gaps and reduce food and shelter
Choose a repair material that suits the opening and its location. For a small hole, the CDC advises packing it with steel wool and securing the wool with caulk or spray foam. Larger openings may need lath screen, metal, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting. Make the repair durable; a temporary plug that can be moved or damaged may leave the route open.
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At the same time, reduce the resources that attract mice:
- Store human and pet food in thick plastic, metal, or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean spills promptly, put pet food away after use, and keep garbage in tightly covered containers.
- Clear outdoor garbage and brush, and move woodpiles away from the house to reduce shelter near the structure.
Sanitation and exclusion help prevent entry and reduce food and nesting opportunities, but they do not remove mice already indoors. Pair them with trapping when there are signs of an active infestation. The EPA prevention guidance and its integrated pest management overview describe prevention and population reduction as complementary parts of rodent control.
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3. Trap mice that are already inside
The CDC recommends traditional snap traps for household rodent reduction. Follow the trap manufacturer’s instructions and use a mouse-appropriate trap. Place it on the floor near droppings, gnaw marks, nesting material, or other signs; behind appliances or in cabinets may be suitable when activity is observed there.
- Set the trap close to evidence of activity.
- Place it against a wall with the baited end next to the wall, so the trap forms a T. Mice tend to travel beside walls and objects.
- Keep the trap and bait where children and pets cannot reach them.
- Check traps daily, remove any capture safely, and reset them while activity continues.
The CDC advises against glue and live traps, noting that frightened rodents may urinate and increase exposure risk. Its household guidance says to consider poison or bait stations only if an infestation persists. If you use a rodenticide, follow the product label, use it in a tamper-resistant station, and keep it inaccessible to children and pets. Promptly dispose of carcasses to reduce risks to pets and wildlife. See the CDC’s trap guidance, the EPA’s rodent-control options, and the EPA’s rodenticide label and bait guidance.
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4. Clean droppings, urine, nests, and dead mice safely
Do not sweep or vacuum rodent waste. Those actions can put contaminated particles into the air. For ordinary droppings or urine, wear rubber or plastic gloves and wet the waste thoroughly with household disinfectant or a fresh bleach solution. Let it soak for five minutes, or follow the disinfectant label if it specifies a different contact time. Wipe it up with paper towels, put the towels in a covered garbage can, disinfect hard surfaces, then remove your gloves and wash your hands.
The CDC’s alternative bleach mixture is 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water (1.5 cups bleach in 1 gallon of water); make it fresh. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. For a dead mouse or nest, wet it with disinfectant, place it in a plastic bag, double-bag it, and discard it as the CDC directs. Follow the CDC’s rodent cleanup instructions for full details.
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A room with heavy infestation calls for additional protective equipment, including respiratory protection, and attention to health and occupational safety requirements. Contact local or state health authorities about the situation. If rodents are in air ducts or another area you cannot reach to clean, seek professional help.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Decide when to call a professional
Consider professional pest-control help if signs continue despite sealing gaps, reducing food and shelter, and trapping; if the infestation is extensive; or if mice are in inaccessible spaces that cannot be cleaned safely. A professional can assess entry routes and control options, but any treatment still needs to account for children, pets, and safe cleanup.
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