How to get rid of mice?

As well as being a nuisance, these small rodents can be a health hazard, as they can carry diseases. So you're going to have to get rid of these unwanted housemates as quickly as possible. But how can you do this? That's what we're going to tell you in this article. Lively, fast and intelligent, this rodent is not easily caught. We take a look at the various methods you can use to get rid of them quickly. From mouse traps to classic or more natural repellents, make your choice to get rid of them fast.

How to block or catch mice?

The best way to keep mice at bay is to keep your home clean and store all food in closed cupboards. Some areas, such as the cellar or attic, don't benefit from as thorough and frequent cleaning as the other rooms in your home. This is often where mice take up residence. Your first step is to prevent them from entering your living spaces. To do this, check that there are no holes in the walls or ceilings through which the unwelcome guest could get in. Then inspect the walls and ceilings of the room through which the mouse has entered. Once you've located the hole, seal it with putty or sealant.

Now no mice can enter or leave your home. The next step is to catch the mice in the room. The traditional method is to place a trap with bait on top. This is usually a piece of cheese or other appetizing foodstuff likely to attract the rodent. Poisoned granules are also available on the market, and can be placed in bowls around your home.

Mouse repellents

Do you want to get rid of mice but don't have the heart to exterminate them? The aim is to keep them away from your home, and then caulk the holes afterwards. Commercial chemical repellents are potentially hazardous to health, and should be handled with care.

Another solution is to use a device that emits ultrasound. These also keep out other types of rodents such as field mice and moles. The only drawback is that mice will soon realize that this device is not a danger. So this is a short-term solution.

There are also more natural, less expensive and equally effective ways of getting rid of mice. Essential oils, which are easy to obtain, are an invaluable aid. Unlike chemical repellents, they pose no danger to your health.

To create a natural repellent, you can use a blend of the following essential oils:

• Bay laurel essential oil
• Clary sage essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil

These oils give off a very strong scent, and will scare off mice as well as many other animals. Soak several cotton pads in the mixture and place them in areas where mice might be hiding. Put some in your garbage can too, to discourage them from stealing your food scraps. Change the cotton pads every two or three days until the rodents have completely disappeared.