🔥1st pest control service just $49. Must schedule service online.

How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Mice?

By Ian Chi
Areas we service Icon
pest control
Areas we service Icon
Areas we service Icon

If you’ve seen droppings in your kitchen or heard scratching behind your walls, you might have a mouse infestation. Even spotting one could mean more are hiding. And while some homeowners try DIY methods, the best way to get rid of them is to call a pest control company that knows what they’re doing.

At Simple Pest Management, we use proven extermination methods to handle house mouse problems and help keep them from coming back. Here’s how we do it.

Key Takeaways

  • A full home inspection helps identify mouse droppings, nesting materials, and the type of mouse causing trouble.
  • Gaps and holes near baseboards, pipes, and trash cans are sealed with caulk, mesh, or steel wool.
  • Snap traps and glue traps are placed in active areas and baited with peanut butter to catch mice.
  • Safe bait stations, clean up, and follow-up visits help stop infestations and avoid risky DIY methods.

Step 1: Look for Signs of Mice

We start with a full inspection of your home.

Our exterminators check for signs of mice like gnaw marks, mouse droppings, shredded nesting materials, and musty smells. We check crevices, crawl spaces, under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards.

We also try to figure out what type of mouse you’re dealing with. Some mice behave differently and may need a different treatment plan. Knowing this helps us do a better job with mouse extermination.

Step 2: Find and Seal the Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through gaps the size of a dime. We look around the outside of your house, especially near pipes, doors, vents, and rooflines. Entry points can also show up near trash cans, pet food bowls, or other food sources.

Once we find these gaps, we start sealing entry points using caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh. These materials are strong, and mice can’t chew through them. This step is key for long-term mouse control.

Step 3: Place Traps in Smart Spots

After we’ve sealed things up, we start trapping.

We use different kinds of mouse traps, like snap traps and glue traps. We place traps in the areas where there are signs of mice. Good spots include crawl spaces, along baseboards, behind the fridge, or under cabinets.

We usually bait our traps with attractants like peanut butter, which works well because mice love it. The goal is not just to catch mice, but to track where they’re most active and reduce their population quickly.

Step 4: Use Bait Stations Outside

If the rodent infestation is bigger or we see signs of activity outside, we’ll also place bait stations around the home.

These are locked and tamper-proof, so they’re safe around kids and pets. The poisons help bring down the mouse population before they get indoors.

We avoid using rat killers inside the home because they can lead to dead mice in the walls, which causes bad smells and clean-up problems.

Step 5: Clean Up the Mess

Mice leave behind more than just damage—they spread bacteria and health risks, too. Once they are gone, it’s time to clean up. You should clean any area where you found mouse feces, especially near food supplies, like pantries or pet food storage.

If the infestation was big, we may recommend attic clean-up or even fumigation. This depends on how much damage they caused and if any dead mice were left behind.

Step 6: Follow Up and Keep Mice Out

As part of our integrated pest management, we always follow up after treatment. This includes checking traps, replacing bait stations, and making sure our sealing work is holding up.

If we find new signs of mice, we update the treatment plan right away. We also share easy ways to keep them from coming back—like making sure you store food in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or spills quickly.

Should You Try DIY Rodent Control First?

DIY methods like peppermint oil, cotton balls, or electronic mouse repellent devices might seem like a quick fix, but they don’t always work long-term. If you’ve got an ongoing rodent problem, it’s time to call the pros.

At Simple Pest Management, our exterminators use the right tools, traps, and treatments to give you real results. Whether you’re dealing with mice, fleas, bed bugs, or another pest, we’re here to bring back your peace of mind.

Want to learn more about our pest control services?

Call us now to schedule your inspection.

Contact Us

We Love Helping New Customers!

❤️ You’re supporting a small, local business

Current response time ~5 minutes during 
business hours︎
Author

Written By Ian Chi

Ian Chi is the President and CEO of Simple Pest Management, dedicated to providing families with effective, customer-focused pest control. Based in San Diego, Ian leads a team that prioritizes community bonds and a positive workplace, ensuring homes remain safe and pest-free. With a mission centered on family well-being, Ian believes that “the answer is Simple” for all pest issues.
Related articles you may like
bleach
By: Ian Chi

Is Bleach an Effective Mosquito Killer?

Mice through Walls
By: Ian Chi

A Californian’s Guide for Getting Rid of Mice

rat
By: Ian Chi

7 Strategies for Getting Rid of Mice in Your Walls