Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

DIY & Home Improvement

Dyedinthewoolliberal

(16,043 posts) Fri Feb 21, 2025, 01:49 PM Feb 21

Yikes! I have mice in the house! [View all]

Been here about three years with no issues. Few months ago (it's been a cold winter in Michigan) noticed what looked to be droppings on my kitchen counter but couldn't find any evidence of damage. Until today. Gnawed a hold in my bread bag and had a little snack. Not sure how they are getting to the house, I'm on a crawl space so it's three or so feet about grade. But they are here. Besides a trap, which I am NOT opposed to, any suggestions on getting them out? I also don't have a cat.
Thanks.

36 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Yikes! I have mice in the house! [View all] Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 21 OP

Why are you not supposed to trap? mahina Feb 21 #1

I didn't say that. Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 21 #9

Oops, I misread. So the black plastic traps work great esp w slimjim for bait. mahina Feb 21 #10

Traps work the best in my opinion. Progressive dog Feb 21 #2

Amazon has plug in pest devices. Six for about 24 bucks. Autumn Feb 21 #3

Neighborhood cats will come. bucolic_frolic Feb 21 #4

They can also get in through an open entrance door. Omnipresent Feb 21 #26

I use poisoned bait. I'm not hawking a brand, but I use Tomcat bait blocks. patphil Feb 21 #5

Poisoned bait kills cats, owls, snakes and anything else up the food chain, japple Feb 21 #7

True, that's why I said to put the bait it inslde the crawl space. patphil Feb 21 #21

They go outside to forage even in winter. It's a real problem for raptors. 58Sunliner Feb 21 #22

I had this issue when I lived in SC in 2021. Still traumatized by it Joinfortmill Feb 21 #6

Get a cat SheltieLover Feb 21 #8

Ugh, I have a crawl space and perimeter foundation. Worst case. They find a way. usonian Feb 21 #11

I used live traps myself for a couple years, baited with peanut butter bhikkhu Feb 21 #12

You have to plug the holes into the house questionseverything Feb 21 #13

steel wool is a fire risk use copper mesh instead. IbogaProject Feb 21 #15

never heard of that Kali Feb 21 #17

Surface area and steel can have other things in it, so there maybe another item that causes that issue. IbogaProject Feb 21 #24

huh Kali Feb 21 #32

Copper dish scrubbers fit in the same spaces and are cheap IbogaProject Feb 22 #35

key is to seal any holes. IbogaProject Feb 21 #14

Also, get mouseproof containers and keep them from finding any food at all. chowmama Feb 21 #16

Use duct tape to keep the steel wool in place! questionseverything Feb 21 #18

snap traps baited with peanut butter Kali Feb 21 #19

And when baiting with peanut butter, don't use too much. Had to deal with an invasion at my old place... JHB Feb 21 #29

yep and old almost rancid super sticky or partly dried PB is best Kali Feb 21 #33

While I dislike kill traps.... wysimdnwyg Feb 21 #20

I have cats and never had a problem. Anywhere. 58Sunliner Feb 21 #23

Thanks everyone! Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 21 #25

A friend of mine is away a lot. usonian Feb 21 #27

Steel wool in even the tiniest holes to the outside. Scrivener7 Feb 21 #28

Get a tube of Mortar Joint caulking a caulking gun and a mirror when it's warmer and drier. IA8IT Feb 21 #30

They seem to come in waves Shermann Feb 21 #31

Once they get in, oh boy, do they reproduce. OAITW r.2.0 Feb 21 #34

get a cat. pansypoo53219 Feb 22 #36