r/Phillylist • u/MakeupD0ll2029 • 1d ago
Pest (Mice) Control Recommendations
Just moved into a new place that had people already living there. A Tree fell down on roof last month and it took until yesterday for the landlord to get a vendor out to began working on the damages. This was due to insurance. Well, I presume, due to the roofing issue, mice has now made our place their home. The construction crew found some in the downstairs bathroom this morning where they are working at. Plus, roomies already said they saw at least two mice. So, with that being said, we need some recommendations and advice. The roof is now seal as of today. So, that's out the way.
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u/TacoRocco 1d ago
Ive actually dealt with mice before and the solution is pretty straightforward but a lot of work. You’ll want to go around your place and find every possible place that they could be coming in from.
Look for holes in walls, especially behind appliances. The very first thing you should do is stop them from coming in. When you seal the holes, fill the hole with something they can’t chew through like steel wool and then spackle over it to make sure it’s firmly sealed. Any hole that is the size of a dime or larger should be filled because they can squeeze into tight spaces.
After sealing all the holes, you’ll want to set up traps in case any are hiding in your place. You can use humane traps or snap traps. Whatever your conscience prefers, just don’t use glue traps because they are cruel. If you go for humane traps, make sure to release them at least 2 miles from your home or they will find their way back in.
Last thing you might want to do after sealing and putting out traps is to clean your place up. Vacuum, seal up your food in containers that mice can’t get into.
For the next few weeks you’ll want to continue monitoring for signs of mice. Look for things that are chewed up, check to make sure your holes stayed sealed, and keep an eye out for mouse droppings. If you still see signs of mice, repeat back from the beginning until they’re gone.
Last thing I want to mention is beware of advice telling you to use “noise deterrants” or “spray peppermint oil”. These things do not work. The goal is to stop them from getting in and flush them out. Anything else is ineffective.
If you want any specific advice, feel free to message me directly here! I’m happy to help because I’ve been through this and mice suck