Mice droppings are usually around 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) long with pointed ends. Rat droppings are usually around 3⁄4 in (1. 9 cm) long with blunt ends. Controlling mice and rats in the walls is pretty much the same, but rat traps are usually bigger to accommodate their larger bodies.

Two-door cage traps: this non-lethal trap lures the mice in with food (like peanut butter), then shuts a door behind them. Once you catch a mouse, you’ll need to take the trap and release the live mouse into the wild, far away from your home so they don’t run back inside. Snap traps: the classic mouse trap, it kills mice by snapping down on top of them. Bucket traps: these involve filling a bucket full of water and baiting the middle with food (usually by filling up a metal can with food, then hanging it on a metal rod to balance on the bucket ledge). When the mice go after it, they’ll drown in the bucket. [4] X Research source Glue board/sticky traps: these traps work by trapping the mice in place. Usually, they kill mice by suffocation, since the mouse will try to bite their way out of the trap and then get glue in their mouth. [5] X Research source However, glue traps are widely considered inhumane, and they are even illegal in parts of the US and the UK. Electric traps: when mice enter the trap, they’ll get shocked with a small burst of electricity. It wouldn’t be harmful to us, but it would kill the mice instantly. [6] X Research source Poison traps and deterrent sprays are sometimes recommended in mice control, but they aren’t as effective as other traps, and they won’t get rid of an entire mouse infestation. [7] X Research source

Try to eliminate other food sources, like pet food bowls or garbage bags. That way, the mice have no choice but to check out your traps. Although poison traps are sometimes an option, they aren’t ideal for mice in the walls. If a mouse crawls back into the wall to die, you probably won’t be able to retrieve the body very easily.

Or, if you can see the visible mouse hole, add 5 to 10 traps nearby. Mice and rats usually have 6 to 12 pups on average. [10] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. If you see one mouse, you can probably bet there are at least a few more in your walls. Be sure to keep the traps out of the way of children and pets.

Dead mice can carry dangerous diseases that are harmful to human health. Never touch a dead mouse directly, and throw away dead mice as soon as you can.

If your traps haven’t worked after a week or so, call a professional pest control company.

Mice usually don’t stay in your home all day—they’ll leave to go find food elsewhere. If you can seal the entry points while they’re gone, you can get them out of your walls in no time.

Mice are very tiny, and can fit into super small openings. Even the tiniest crack could be letting mice into your home.

Even if you aren’t putting in new pipes, you can add steel wool to existing pipes if they have gaps before caulking. Check on your utility lines, too, like sewer, water, and gas. These lines usually create small openings that are easy for rodents to enter through. [17] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloPest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.

Typically, mice leave your home up to 50 times per day. [19] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.

Weather stripping is sticky on one side, so all you have to do is peel off the plastic backing and stick it to your door or window frame.

If you’re dealing with mice, you may want to let your neighbors know about it. Mice will often travel to look for new food sources, so they could be checking out your neighbors’ houses too.

If you have any outdoor animals, like chickens, keep their food in an airtight container so the mice don’t try to eat it.