Safe Ways to Get Rid of Rodents in Your Home

Did you know that a mouse can squeeze through a 6mm hole? That's the size of 3 nickels! While it may be considered impressive, it also makes it a lot harder to prevent these pesky rodents from crawling into your home.

Most urban areas have rodents so whether you live in a house or an apartment, you'll probably encounter a mouse or a rat at some stage. It isn't a pleasant experience but there are things you can do to make your home less attractive to them. If you don't want to use poisonous baits and traps, the following tips can help you get rid of rodents without the risk of chemicals and poison.

1. Is It a Mouse or a Rat?

To effectively get rid of rodents you need to determine whether you're dealing with a mouse or a rat problem. The main difference between a mouse and a rat is their size. Mice have shorter bodies with larger ears and longer tails compared to the tiny ears and stubby tail of a rat. Mice also differ in color and are light brown to grey compared to the darker fur of rats.

2. Clear the Clutter

Rodents like to find places to hide like under shrubs, rubble, and even storage houses outside. By trimming bushes and removing logs, rubble, dirt, and other piles of stuff around the property, you can prevent rats and mice from finding your home the ideal place to shack up. It is also a good idea to keep trash cans away from the house.

3. Humane Mouse Traps

Catching mice can be difficult but fortunately, eco-conscious products are available to remove rodents from your property. Bait stations can be set up along your perimeter or inside the house or apartment. Mice will walk into the trap (attracted by the bait) and it will close while locking them inside. You will have to humanely dispose of the live animal. It is best to toss them in an open field far away from your home and other properties.

4. Lock Cupboards and Foodstuff

Rodents hang around because they're finding food and shelter. Once you've identified their source of food, it becomes easier to control their habits. Start by sealing your cupboards and your food in containers with lids. Remember, placing food on your kitchen counter won't stop a mouse or rat. They are incredible climbers and are known to live in attics and ceilings so a countertop is easy for them to reach.

5. Get a Cat

If you love cats and you've been considering getting one, then a mouse or rat problem should be your motivation. Cats will naturally deter rodents from moving in. Their scent and presence alone are enough to scare most mice and rats.

6. Speak to Your Landlord

Your apartment lease should detail the maintenance services provided by your landlord. Read your rental lease if you have an ongoing problem with mice and rats or speak to your landlord about the problems you are experiencing. They will have their maintenance team come in or pest control services come out.

7. Be Persistent

Depending on the number of rodents in your home, you need to stick to a regime of maintenance. Keep outdoor areas clear and seal the holes and cracks in walls and doors or frames to prevent the tiniest of rodents from moving in. These steps can go a long way to prevent rodents from becoming a nuisance!

Psychology graduate and content creator