Need to get rid of mice?
Our experts provide a long-term, effective solution to your mouse problem.
Read more >
Commercial customers can call for a free quote on +256 751 493 293
For your local experts call us on 256 414 287 160
DIY Mouse Trap and Mouse Repellent Advice
Wondering how to catch a mouse? Do you have a mouse problem and are planning on eliminating mice with mouse poison or mouse traps?
It is important to keep in mind that in the case of a heavy mouse infestation, DIY mouse killer products do not always prove completely effective at exterminating mice. Various DIY mouse control products can be obtained from your local supermarket - such as mouse traps and mouse poison - although these may only be effective in managing mice in low risk areas.
DIY Mouse Traps
There are many types of mouse traps such as snap traps, glue traps, electrical and homemade DIY mouse traps. Whilst some professional companies might use glue traps, there are voluntary codes around regular checking of these traps to minimise the amount of time a rodent may spend trapped or suffering.
Snap mouse traps are also used by professionals and can be very useful for catching rats and mice; especially those that appear to elude alternative control measures and bait stations.
-
Why DIY mouse trap solutions are not effective
Simply relying on mouse traps to get rid of mice is very risky because mice are neophobic; this means that they are very selective and cautious when it comes to their environment.
Since mice breed at a rapid rate, mouse traps are often just not enough to catch a rapidly growing population and more extreme steps are required. The best course of action is to make use of rodenticides or more proactive methods like rodent proofing and inspections for effective mouse control and prevention.
DIY Mouse Poison and Bait
People prefer not to use the word “poison” but the rodenticide used by professionals as a bait for mice is exactly that. Mouse poison can be very successful in eliminating mice.
Various different forms of rodenticides are available on the market, and they vary in the length of time they require to take effect:
Anticoagulants
The bulk of mouse baiting activities are carried out through a group of compounds called anticoagulants (AVKs). The blood clotting activity of Vitamin K is blocked by these compounds. One of the reasons for their efficacy is that AVK’s produce a delayed reaction; taking at least 3-4 days to take effect, during which time the rodent learns that mouse poison is ‘safe’ and continues consuming it.
Alphachloralose
This rodenticide offers a much speedier course of action. Alphachloralose has the ability to kill a mouse within 24 hours by acting as a sedative. It is able to achieve its desired effect in very small doses (as little as 0.1g of bait).
Compared to anticoagulants, alphachloralose is a more humane form of mouse control bait and has a greater margin of safety for larger non-target animals. It is best applied as a short term ‘knock down’ treatment, followed by the use of anticoagulants or some other control tactic to control surviving mice.
-
Why DIY mouse poison solutions are not effective
Due to the fact that mice easily find other food sources, it is highly likely that they won’t consume enough - or possibly any - of an edible mouse poison. Eating just a tiny amount can lead to an increased resistance in mice, and eventually to them become immune to rodenticides.
Why Natural Mouse Repellent remedies don’t work
Peppermint, moth balls, and ultrasonic sound waves come to mind when thinking of natural mouse repellent remedies, but they don’t actually work… at all!
Mice are cunning creatures. Once they have found a safe shelter with a constant supply of food and water, away from their natural predators, they will make do with the inconvenience of mothballs and peppermint oil.
Read about the most common home remedies and why they don’t work:
-
- Mice and Mothballs - The levels of naphthalene contained in mothballs required to repel mice and rats is the same as needed for humans. There have been cases where mice have walked over the mothballs paying no attention to them whatsoever. Even if rodents were bothered by the smell from mothballs near their nest entrance they would soon find another.
- Peppermint oil - Most gases and fumes, including peppermint aroma, rises. Initially the peppermint oil aroma would be quite pungent to mice, but since they are small and stay close to the ground, once it rises upwards, the scent wouldn’t be as strong to them.
- Ultrasound mouse repellent devices - These devices aren’t an effective mouse repellent tool because they rely on plug sockets to work; and if there is no plug point where the mouse activity is then it proves pointless. As with mothballs, the frequency emitted would need to be at the same level as that needed to repel humans, which would make it harmful to us as well. In the short term this may work, but only until the mouse either avoids the area or adapts to the background noise.
DIY or Professional?
What to keep in mind when considering the DIY mouse trap and bait route
It is very important to exercise great care when placing mouse poisons and mouse traps around your property.
Be sure to follow instructions on product labels very carefully to prevent any damage to oneself, as well as any children or pets that may come into contact with these solutions.
Professional rodent bait stations
If you are concerned about the thought of mice in your property, and require a professional solution, Rentokil’s expert mice control methods offer the best and most reliable solution.
Our qualified technicians will install mouse and rat bait units in appropriate locations throughout the property. These units are usually placed at wall floor junctions and will not cause disruption to your operations. Thanks to its simple design, the rodent bait stations are unobtrusive and easy for our technicians to service.
Our rat and mouse bait boxes can be used in conjunction with Rentokil’s myRentokil monitoring and reporting system, providing you with round the clock information on how your business is protected from mice.
Need a professional mouse control solution? Contact us to book your free survey.