Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of spotting a mouse in our home. While these furry intruders may seem harmless, they can actually pose a serious health risk. Mice are known to carry a variety of diseases, and they can also contaminate food sources with their droppings. If you see a mouse in your home, it's important to take action immediately to prevent an infestation. This article will provide some tips on what to do if you see a mouse in your home and help you identify if you need to call pest exterminations services.

1. Try to Remain Calm

The first thing you need to do if you see a mouse in your home is to try to remain calm. If you panic, you'll scare the mouse away and make yourself feel worse! Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that mice are more scared of you than you are of them.

If possible, try to confine the mouse to one room by closing all the doors leading into that room. This will make it easier to catch the mouse. If you have young children or pets, keep them away from the area where you saw the mouse. Remember, pets can get excited or aggressive when they see a mouse, which can also make the situation more difficult to handle.

2. Identify All Potential Entry Points

The next step is to identify all potential entry points the mouse could have used to get into your home. This will help you prevent future infestations. Remember, according to the Centers for Disease Control, mice can fit through a hole the size of a nickel, while rats can squeeze through a gap the size of a half-dollar.

Start by looking around your home's perimeter. Find any cracks or holes that a mouse could have easily squeezed through. Once you've identified all potential small entry points, seal them up with caulk. However, you may need to use a more durable material such as hardware cloth or metal sheeting for larger holes.

Remember that the mice may also be getting into your home through gaps around your doors and windows. Make sure that these areas are well-sealed to prevent future infestations.

3. Clean and Organize Your Home

The next step is to clean up and organize your home. Mice are attracted to cluttered and messy homes because it provides them with plenty of places to hide. If you want to get rid of mice, you need to make your home as uninhabitable as possible.

Start by removing clutter from your rooms and getting rid of any unnecessary items. This'll remove potential hiding spots for mice. Next, do a deep clean of your home to remove any food sources that the mice could be attracted to. Be sure to vacuum and mop all floors and wipe down all surfaces.

4. Set Up Mouse Traps

One of the most effective ways to eliminate pests from your home is to set up traps. Mouse traps can typically get rid of mice quickly, and they're also relatively inexpensive. You can purchase mouse traps at most hardware stores or online. When choosing a mouse trap, there are several factors to consider:

• The type of trap: There are two main mouse trap types, snap traps and glue traps. Snap traps are the most common type of trap, and they work by snapping shut on the mouse when it steps on the trigger. Glue traps are less common, but they're just as effective. They work by trapping the mouse on a sticky surface, which makes it impossible for the mouse to escape.
• The bait: The bait is what attracts the mouse to the trap. The most common baits are cheese and peanut butter, but you can use any type of food that mice like.
• The location: Mice are attracted to food, so the best place to set up a trap is near where you think they're getting their food from. This could be near a food source, such as a pantry or garbage can, or it could be in an area where you've seen mouse droppings.

Be sure to read the instructions carefully before setting them up. Place them in areas where you've seen mice activity. For the greatest results, use several mouse traps at once.

After setting up the mouse traps, check them regularly and dispose of any mice that have been caught. If you have pets or small children, be sure to keep the trap area out of their reach to avoid any accidents. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to get rid of the mice in your home for good.

4. Get a Cat

For at-home pest exterminations, getting a cat is a great option. Cats are natural predators of mice, and they're also great at keeping your home free of other pests. If you have the space and resources for a cat, this can be a great solution to your mouse problem.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to go this route:

• Cats need regular vet care, including vaccinations and routine check-ups. They also need regular food and water. Be sure you're prepared to care for a cat before getting one.
• Cats can be destructive, so be sure to provide them with plenty of toys and scratching posts to keep them occupied. Otherwise, they may start scratching your furniture or getting into things they're not supposed to.
• Cats can be unpredictable, so there's no guarantee that they'll actually catch any mice. However, even if they don't catch any mice, their presence will likely deter mice from entering your home in the first place.

If you decide to get a cat, be sure to visit your local animal shelter or rescue group to adopt one. There are plenty of cats in need of good homes, and you'll be giving a deserving animal a loving home while also solving your mouse problem. It's a win-win!

5. Call an Exterminator

If you have a serious mouse problem, you may need to call an exterminator. Exterminators are pest control professionals who are trained to safely and effectively get rid of mice and other pests. If you're not comfortable dealing with a mouse yourself, or if you've tried everything else and the problem persists, pest exterminations can be a great solution.

When choosing an exterminator, be sure to do your research. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Once you've found a few good options, call them and ask about their services and prices.

Remember there are different ways pest exterminations can be done. Some of the most common ways include:

• Trapping: Trapping is one of the most common pest extermination methods, even by professionals. It involves setting up traps and baits to catch mice, which are then removed from your home.
• Poison: Poison is another popular pest extermination method. It involves using poisonous bait to kill mice. This method should only be used by trained professionals, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
• Ultrasonic devices: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are supposed to deter mice from entering your home. This method is relatively new, and there is limited research on its effectiveness, but some people swear by it.

Remember, there are different factors that will affect the method of pest extermination you use, including the severity of your mouse problem, your budget, and your personal preferences. Be sure to discuss all of these factors with your exterminator before making a final decision. Once you've decided on a method, be sure to follow the exterminator's instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

If you have a mouse problem in your home, don't panic. There are plenty of things you can do to get rid of them. However, for the best results, pest exterminations should be done by a trained professional. Call Mares Exterminating today to schedule a consultation. We'll be happy to help you get rid of your mouse problem for good.