Dealing with mice in your home is frustrating. You might set out traps, sprinkle some poison, or try a homemade trick you found online. The problem might seem under control at first, but you hear the familiar scratching in the walls again or find more droppings in the pantry. Mouse problems are especially common in fall and winter in Nampa when they look for warm places to hide. But why won’t DIY methods get rid of these rodents for good?
Mice Multiply Fast
A single female can give birth to a litter of 5–10 babies every three weeks. The babies grow up fast, ready to start their own families in just a couple of months. This means there could be dozens more hiding out of sight, even if you catch one or two mice.
Most home methods are aimed at the mice you see. But the real problem is the mice you do not see. Not wiping out the whole colony will lead to a new infestation. That is why you should call a pest control company the moment you notice mice. Experts at saelapest.com know how to address the underlying cause of the issue.
Poisons Can Be Problematic
Mice are clever and cautious. They may avoid a food source that makes one of their own sick if they sense it. Plus, they only eat small amounts at a time, so what they consume might not be enough to kill them even if they nibble on the bait.
In addition, mice that die inside your walls or under your floors are a problem. Poisoned mice often crawl into hidden spots to die, leading to terrible smells and possible fly problems.
Traps Do Not Catch All the Mice
Snap traps, glue traps, and electronic traps can be effective for a few mice. But they are not enough to eliminate a whole infestation. Mice are naturally suspicious of new things in their environment, especially if they have seen other mice get caught. They can also learn how to steal bait without triggering the trap.
Also, placing traps in the wrong spots may not catch any mice at all. Mice run along walls and behind objects. A few poorly placed traps in the middle of the room probably won’t catch a single mouse.
DIY Methods Miss the Source
Putting out traps or poison might slow the problem, but it won’t fix it. The key to stopping a mouse problem is finding out how they are getting into your home in the first place. In Nampa, mice often enter through small holes in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or cracks near doors and windows. A mouse can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime.
Most DIY solutions do not address entry points. New mice will keep finding their way in even if you manage to catch a few until these openings are sealed up properly.
Homemade Repellents Usually Don’t Work
You have probably heard of using peppermint oil, dryer sheets, or mothballs to repel mice. Some people swear by these methods, but science says otherwise. Strong smells might discourage mice for a day or two, but they will just move a few feet away or wait until the scent wears off. Mice are survivors. They will stay if your home offers them their necessities despite the minty smell.
You Might Be Feeding Them Without Knowing It
Leaving food out on counters, storing snacks in cardboard boxes, or not sealing pet food are ways mice get easy meals. Even birdseed in the garage or crumbs under the couch can be enough to keep them happy. DIY traps and poisons cannot compete with a constant supply of food. Mice may not take the bait or wander into your traps if they have everything they need.
