How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House — for Good

Few things ruin the feeling of home faster than hearing scratching in the walls or seeing a quick shadow dart across the kitchen floor.

Mice don’t show up because your house is “dirty” — they come because it gives them everything they need: warmth, shelter, and easy access to food. And no matter how many traps or poisons you set, new “guests” will keep coming back — which is why it’s important to understand how to get rid of mice the right way.

Why Mice Keep Coming Back

Many homeowners think, “I’ll just put out some poison or a couple of traps and the problem will be solved.” But that’s only a temporary fix. Mouse colonies work in a way that if a few die, new ones will quickly take their place. As long as there are gaps and entry points in your house, the flow of mice will never stop.

Here’s what most people try first — and why it doesn’t work:

• Poison. It kills mice but leaves them decomposing inside your walls — causing odor and posing risks for pets.

• Scent repellents. They work for a few days, but mice quickly get used to them.

• Randomly placed traps. You might catch one or two, but as long as there’s a way in, new mice will appear.

These methods are like putting a bucket under a leaky roof: they buy you time but don’t solve the real problem.

Where They Get In

A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil — about ¼ inch. The most common entry points are:

• cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes and cables,

• openings near utility lines, vents, and drains,

• gaps under doors and garage doors,

• attic vents, crawl spaces, and even chimneys.

Use a flashlight and a bit of patience to spot their “highways” — look for droppings or gnawed edges.

The Only Solution That Works

Seal them out. Don’t bait, don’t poison — make sure they can’t get in at all.

1. Inspect. Walk around your house and check the basement, attic, and crawl space. Mark every hole — even the ones a pencil could fit through.

2. Seal. Stuff small holes with copper or steel wool and seal them with caulk. Cover larger gaps with hardware cloth or patch with cement.

3. Weatherproof doors. Install door sweeps and seals, especially on garage doors.

4. Clean up. Store food in sealed containers, secure trash cans, and remove leaks or standing water.

5. Monitor. Set a few traps as indicators. If they stay empty, your house is secure.

Final Thought: How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House for Good

Poison and traps may reduce the number of mice for a while, but they won’t solve the problem.The only way to truly get rid of them is to close every entry point. Once all gaps are sealed, your house becomes fully protected.

---

Have you already found holes or cracks in your walls but aren’t sure how to seal them properly?Contact Tools and Hands — we’ll come out and professionally close every problem area so mice can’t get back into your home.