Deer mice can be pesky rodents that find their way into homes, causing damage and posing health risks. Getting rid of them takes diligence and patience, but it can be done. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of deer mice effectively.
Identify Signs of Deer Mice
The first step is confirming that you actually have deer mice and not house mice. Look for these signs:
- Droppings – Deer mice poop is about 1/4 inch long. House mice droppings are much smaller.
- Nesting materials – Deer mice use soft natural materials like shredded paper and fabrics. House mice use harder materials.
- Footprints – Deer mice tracks show 4 toes on the front feet and 5 on the back. House mice only have 4.
- Damage – Deer mice tend to chew on fabrics, boxes, and wood. House mice chew on all types of household items.
If you spot these signs, especially the distinctive droppings and footprints, it’s likely you have deer mice.
Remove All Food Sources
Deer mice come inside homes looking for food. Removing all possible food sources will make the home far less inviting. Follow these tips:
- Clean up any crumbs and spills immediately. Don’t leave any dirty dishes sitting overnight.
- Store all human and pet food in chew-proof containers. Even paper bags and cardboard boxes can be chewed through.
- Keep the kitchen spotless, especially overnight. Never leave out pet food bowls.
- Clean behind and under appliances where crumbs may accumulate.
- Empty garbage frequently and use rodent-proof trash cans with tight lids.
- Pick ripe fruit and vegetables from any gardens. Remove fallen ones.
The more you limit food sources inside and outside the home, the less appeal it has to foraging deer mice.
Seal Up Entry Points
Even if you remove food sources, deer mice will still try to get in. You must:
- Seal all entry points with caulk, steel wool, foam, hardware cloth, or other materials mice can’t chew through. Pay special attention around the foundation, doors, windows, gaps around pipes/vents, attic vents, etc.
- Use weather strips around doors and thresholds to prevent gaps.
- Repair holes in window screens. Mice can squeeze through amazingly small openings.
- Keep doors closed as much as possible, especially at night.
- Special sealing products like copper mesh can also be used. Some are impregnated with mouse repellents.
Be diligent and keep inspecting the home and sealing up any new openings you find. Prevention is key.
Use Repellents and Deterrents
There are various natural and commercial repellents that can encourage mice to avoid and vacate the home:
- Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, garlic, citrus oils and other strong scents. Use cotton balls soaked in oils around entry points or spray bottles for larger applications. Reapply frequently.
- Ultrasonic pest repellers that emit high-frequency sound waves are available. Place according to package directions.
- Moth balls or flakes can repel mice with the smell. Avoid direct handling and place out of reach of kids and pets.
- Ammonia soaked cotton balls have a strong odor that drives away mice. Do not inhale the fumes directly.
- Live traps allow for humane capture and release away from home. Bait with peanut butter and seeds.
Using 2-3 repellent strategies together provides better coverage than any single method alone. Rotate them periodically too.
Keep Your Home Clean and Dry
Good sanitation and moisture control help discourage deer mice infestations.
- Vacuum and mop tile or wood floors regularly.
- Eliminate clutter like stacks of paper and cardboard boxes to reduce nesting sites.
- Fix any plumbing leaks and dry out damp areas. Deer mice are drawn to moisture.
- Clean up pet hairs which mice will use for nesting materials.
- Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to prevent damp conditions mice like.
- Run dehumidifiers as needed in basements or humid climates.
- Clean gutters and direct rainwater away from the foundation.
Keep things clean, dry and free of clutter. Combined with other methods, this further helps make your home less inviting to deer mice.
Use Mouse Traps
Trapping is an effective method for removing mice once an infestation exists. Use the following techniques:
- Snap traps – Peanut butter works well as bait. Place them along walls or other high activity areas in single lines.
- Live traps – Bait with peanut butter and bird seeds for humane capture. Release the mice at least 5 miles away.
- Glue boards – Mice get stuck on the adhesive and die. Place along walls or under furniture.
- Electronic traps – These kill mice and don’t need bait. Place against walls with the opening facing it.
- Bucket traps – Mice climb in to get bait but cannot climb out. Use a 5 gallon bucket or similar container.
Check all types of traps daily and replace as needed. Multiple traps increase success. Keep using traps until no more mice are being caught.
Call a Professional Exterminator
For severe infestations or if DIY methods fail, calling a licensed exterminator may be warranted. They have industrial-strength chemical treatments and can locate hard-to-find entry points.
Professionals can also provide ongoing pest control maintenance services to prevent recurring mouse problems. Seek licensed companies with expertise in rodent removal specifically.
Getting rid of mice takes patience and diligence. Following these comprehensive prevention, exclusion, repelling and trapping methods will eventually rid your home of deer mice and prevent new ones from invading. Act at the first signs of infestation for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases can deer mice spread?
Deer mice are known carriers of hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal respiratory disease. They can also spread salmonella and Lyme disease through their urine and droppings. Always wear gloves and respiratory protection when cleaning up after them.
How can you make your home less attractive to deer mice?
The key is removing all possible food sources, sealing up any entry points, keeping things clean and dry, and using repellents. This eliminates shelter, food and water – the basic survival needs of deer mice.
Will moth balls or ammonia hurt pets?
Direct exposure to moth balls and ammonia can be dangerous to pets. Take care to place them out of reach, such as in crawl spaces, attics and sealed walls. Never place them in open areas accessible to pets or children.
What traps work best for catching deer mice?
Snap traps and electronic traps are very effective when set properly with bait. Live traps allow for humane removal and release. Bucket traps also work well and don’t require baiting or resetting.
Can you use peppermint oil to repel mice?
Yes, deer mice strongly dislike the smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place along baseboards, around pipes and other mouse activity areas. Reapply every 2-3 days as the scent fades. It helps deter mice from entering.
Conclusion
Deer mice can be very difficult to get rid of due to their small size and agility. They require diligent prevention and exclusion methods. Combined approaches including sanitation, sealing entry points, repellents, trapping and calling in professionals provide the best results. With persistent effort focused on removing food sources, shelter and standing water, you can successfully eliminate deer mice from your home. Implementing these comprehensive strategies will keep them from returning once eradicated.