Seal them out
Mice can fit through openings far smaller than you'd expect. Look for gaps around pipes under sinks, dryer vents, utility lines, garage doors and the foundation. Fill small gaps with steel wool and caulk, and use hardware cloth or sealant for bigger ones.
Take away food
- Store food, including pet food and birdseed, in sealed containers.
- Clean up crumbs and spills, and don't leave food out overnight.
- Keep garbage in bins with tight lids.
Trap along their routes
Mice run along walls. Place snap traps against walls where you see droppings, with the trigger end facing the wall, and use more traps than you think you need. Check them daily.
Clean up droppings safely
Rodent droppings can carry disease. Wear gloves, open windows to air out the space, spray droppings and nesting material with a disinfectant or bleach solution, let it soak and wipe it up with paper towels. Don't sweep or vacuum, which can stir particles into the air.