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How To Get Rid of Mice in Walls

Do you ever hear strange sounds inside your walls, especially at night? It could mean that mice have moved into your home and are crawling around out of sight. Mice are drawn to the warmth and shelter that our walls provide, but getting rid of an infestation in such a hard-to-reach area can be difficult. Here, the experts at Active Pest Control will give you tips on how to get rid of mice in walls – and keep them out for good.

How to Get Rid of Mice in Walls in Georgia - Active Pest Control

Common Signs of Mice in Walls

Mice are experts at hiding and can squeeze into tiny spaces, which makes it very difficult to identify an infestation – especially if it’s happening deep inside your walls. However, there are little signs that can help you figure out if you’re dealing with a rodent problem.

Sounds of Mice in Walls

Mice are nocturnal and make a lot of noise as they travel through your walls, so you may notice scratching or gnawing sounds at night.

Droppings and Tracks

Mouse droppings are small and typically resemble dark grains of rice or small pellets. If you find these around your property, likely mice are hiding nearby. Mouse tracks can be identified by small paw prints, often seen in dusty areas, along with a visible tail drag mark.

Gnaw Marks and Holes

Mice gnaw on things to keep their teeth trimmed. Look for signs of gnawing on your walls, furniture, or other belongings. Inspect your walls for holes or gaps. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so even small cracks can serve as entry points.

Nesting Materials

Mice build nests using shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation. Check for these materials in hidden corners or behind stored items.

A Strong Smell

A strong, musky odor might indicate that you have an infestation. The smell is usually stronger in enclosed areas with limited airflow, like a basement.

If you’ve spotted a rodent and are unsure whether it’s a rat or a mouse, have a look at our handy rodent identification guides.

Why Do Mice Live in Walls?

Mice are notorious for finding their way into homes and hiding in the walls, where they create nests, cause damage, and can become a persistent pest problem. Understanding why mice are drawn to this specific area can help homeowners address the issue more effectively and prevent a larger mouse infestation.

Entry Points in Your Home

Mice enter homes through small holes, cracks, and gaps around baseboards, windows, or near air ducts. Common entry points also include crawl spaces and damaged vents. Once inside, they can quickly scurry into the walls, where they remain hidden while seeking food and water sources in your home.

Why Walls Are Ideal Hiding Spots

Walls provide excellent shelter because they offer warmth and protection from predators. Mice can gnaw through insulation and build a nest inside the walls, staying out of sight. The warmth inside the walls make them an ideal spot for a mouse infestation to develop, especially when access to food and water is nearby.

Sealing Mice Entry Points

It can be stressful knowing that your home has been invaded by pests. Dealing with an infestation takes time, effort, and patience, but it is possible. If you suspect that there are mice in your walls, here are some steps you can take.

Identifying Openings

Mice can squeeze through incredibly small gaps, so identifying and closing these openings is essential for effective rodent control. To stop mice from entering your home, inspect both the interior and exterior for small holes, cracks, and gaps. Pay special attention to areas around baseboards, air ducts, and windows, as well as the foundation of the house. Mice often gain entry through vents, gaps in the attic, and holes near plumbing or electrical lines. Check for signs of mouse activity, such as gnaw marks or mouse droppings, to help locate these potential entry points.

Using Materials Like Steel Wool or Caulk

Once you’ve identified the openings, seal them using durable materials. Steel wool is highly effective, as mice cannot chew through it. Combine it with caulk to fill in gaps and cracks. Expanding foam or wire mesh are also good options for larger holes. By sealing these entry points, you can prevent mice from getting inside and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

See our comprehensive rodent prevention guides for more information about preventative measures.

How to Bait Mice From Walls

Getting rid of mice hiding within walls can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it is possible to lure them out effectively. Using bait and traps strategically is key to controlling the infestation and preventing further damage to your home. For more details, see our detailed rodent treatment guides.

Effective Baiting Strategies

To bait mice out of walls, focus on food items that are irresistible to them. Peanut butter, cheese, and seeds work well. Place the bait on a trap near suspected entry points, such as holes or cracks in baseboards. Mice typically travel along walls, so position traps directly in their pathways. Avoid using too much bait, though, as this can lead to mice stealing it without triggering the trap.

Types of Traps To Use (Snap, Glue, and Live Traps)

The three most common mouse traps are snap traps, glue traps, and live traps. Snap traps are quick and effective, glue traps can trap mice for removal, while live traps allow for humane capture and release.

Placement of Traps for Best Results

Place traps along baseboards, near entry points, and in areas where you have seen mouse activity. Check traps regularly and reset them as needed for maximum effectiveness.

Professional Rodent Control Services

Rodent infestations can pose serious health risks and damage to property if not addressed promptly. While it may be tempting to handle the problem on your own, DIY methods like using snap traps or bait often prove insufficient, especially with larger infestations. 

When DIY Methods Fail

Dealing with a rodent infestation can be frustrating. Many homeowners start by using mouse traps, cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil, or setting out snap traps. While these may help with catching a few mice or rats, they often fall short when facing a full-blown infestation. Rodents can quickly chew through drywall, gnaw on wires, and scurry into small holes, making them difficult to trap. Signs of a mouse infestation such as mouse droppings, gnaw marks, or noises in the crawl space or attic signal a deeper issue. If you keep finding mice in the traps or signs of mouse activity despite your efforts, it’s time to seek professional help.

The Benefits of Professional Extermination

Hiring a professional rodent pest control company offers numerous advantages. First, trained technicians can identify the extent of the problem, locating nests and sealing mouse entry points that may be hidden behind baseboards or in air ducts. They also use more advanced tools like bait stations and commercial-grade traps to tackle the issue at its root. What’s more, experts can address the rodent problem without harming pets or family members, applying chemicals responsibly and carrying out preventive measures like blocking cracks in your home’s structure. They also offer long-term solutions such as setting up a pest control plan and advising on eliminating the food and water sources that can attract rodents.

A professional rodent control service provides a thorough and lasting solution, preventing future damage to your home’s insulation and reducing the spread of diseases carried by rodents, such as Hantavirus and Salmonella.

 

Need Help with Rodent Control in Your Georgia Home?

If you want to get rid of your rodent infestation as quickly as possible, it’s best to partner with an expert. Licensed professionals have extensive knowledge and training, ensuring that your treatments are highly effective and safe for your family. At Active Pest Control, we carefully examine your unique needs to create a mouse removal plan that is tailored to your situation. Our team also provides ongoing support to ensure your rodent infestation doesn’t come back. 

 

Have rodents hiding behind your walls? Call Active Pest Control for help today.

How to Get Rid of Mice in Walls in Georgia

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