Mouse in the House?

By Maid Brigade of Northern CT

If you live in an older home, chances are you’ve run into some mice around the house or garage.

Want to get rid of them? There are a few ways.

Snap traps are commonly used to kill mice within homes. For best results, these traps should be set flush to walls, with the trigger plates facing the wall. When they are armed with peanut butter or chocolate – which are most alluring to the mice (and to us!) – you’re sure to catch something.

Glue boards may also be effective. The mice should become caught in the glue and unable to free themselves, and eventually, they will die of hypothermia.

Zapper traps lure mice into enclosures before delivering a lethal electric shock.

Some people use baits, but they are not recommended for use within homes. Rodent baits can be poisonous to humans and pets and may be unknowingly ingested by small children. 

Once you’ve set your traps, you’ll want to check them often. Dead mice can really stink up your house or garage, so you’ll want to dispose of them as quickly as possible.

If you have a dead mouse in your house or garage, you may already be experiencing the stench. If you can reach it, just remove it and the smell will go away.

It’s when you can’t reach it that be a problem.

Unfortunately, there really isn’t much you can do to remove the smell but to let the dead mouse dry out. After a couple of weeks, the decomposition will begin to slow and the mouse will dry out. With this drying will come a reduction in the smell.

If you have a dehumidifier, run it often. By removing as much moisture in the house as possible, you’ll help quicken the drying process.

While you’re waiting for the mouse to dry out, get an odor-reducer that either releases a vapor into the air to cover up the smell, or that absorbs the odor with carbon or charcoal. Use these where the smell is the worst until it finally goes away.

If you need help getting your house fresh and clean smelling, give us a call at 860-645-6243.