How to Get Rid of Mice

They're cute as can be...until you discover that the bodies behind those bright, sparkly little eyes, have managed to empty an entire 2 lb. bag of oatmeal through one chewed corner. That's when you know you have a mouse problem. Sometimes you don't get to see the perpetrators, but the tiny, black bits of mouse droppings and shredded food packages are a dead give away. Now, you've got to get rid of them.

The no-brainer method is a cat. Or a couple of cats. Unless of course, you're allergic to them, or in a rented dwelling that does not allow pets. And even if you do have a cat, it's possible they may not be able to control the entire population, especially if they have become adept at traveling inside cupboards, and through holes in walls or around pipes.

How you deal with mice may depend on the household population of people and pets. Poisons work, but if carried back to a nest in the wall, it can result in decomposing bodies and a smell that you can't get at to remove. There are commercial substances used by pest control companies that will kill the mice, and the carcasses will essentially dry up, eliminating the odor, but you may not want to go to the expense unless you home resembles a re-make of the movie "Ben". Poisons also pose dangers to children and pets, and can only truly be "safe" to use, when placed inside walls, but again, there is the problem of rodents dying in there.

Most people opt for the hammer, or snap type mousetraps. They are cheap, and can be used over or disposed of with the body, if things got a little messy. Ultimately, this is a more humane way to kill mice. Poisons don't work instantly, but a broken neck, does. And the glue traps are simply torturing small creatures that can rattle around your cupboard for two days or more before they die of starvation and/or stress. But as with poisons, they must be used with care. The force supplied by the spring-operated trap is enough to break even and adult's finger, or the bones of an animal's foot. If placing anywhere accessible by pets and children, such as under the kitchen sink, install cupboard safety locks.