Mice are a persistent problem in both homes and commercial properties. They slip through gaps the size of a dime, chew through wiring and insulation, and contaminate food storage areas with droppings that carry bacteria and allergens. Because they reproduce quickly and nest out of sight, even a small mouse issue can escalate into an infestation before you know it.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to get rid of mice and how to keep them out for good. While traps and poisons might offer quick fixes, lasting results come from a smarter, more strategic method. It’s the same approach we follow every day when providing professional pest control in Mississauga—a process that emphasizes long-term prevention, humane techniques, and safety for your household or business.
What Is IPM and Why Is It the Best Way to Get Rid of Mice?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is widely considered the most effective and sustainable method for eliminating mice. Instead of relying on one-time solutions like poison or reactive trapping, IPM takes a holistic approach to pest control. It combines detailed inspection, exclusion techniques, sanitation improvements, targeted trapping, and ongoing monitoring to address both the immediate infestation and the root causes behind it.
What sets IPM apart is its focus on long-term prevention. By sealing entry points, removing food sources, and tracking rodent behavior, it breaks the cycle of infestation without unnecessary chemical use. This approach is used by professionals across the industry because it works—and because it’s safer for people, pets, and the environment.
At Pestend, we apply IPM principles across all environments, from single-family homes to businesses and multi-unit facilities. Our commercial pest control is a proven model that emphasizes prevention and compliance, and we bring the same standard to every rodent control job we handle.
The techniques outlined in the next sections all fall under this well-rounded IPM strategy. Each step plays a role in disrupting mouse behavior, removing attractants, and preventing future infestations effectively and responsibly.
Step 1: Block Entry Points
One of the most important steps in long-term mouse control is sealing off how they get in. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so even minor cracks or gaps can turn into active entry points. These are often found around foundation lines, gaps near garage doors, pipe penetrations, attic vents, and where utility lines enter the home.
We recommend using materials that mice can’t chew through. Steel wool and copper mesh are effective for stuffing into gaps before sealing them with silicone caulk or expanding foam. For larger holes, consider using sheet metal or hardware cloth for added durability. Focus on common problem areas, such as the base of exterior walls, rooflines, dryer vents, and gaps in basement windows.
In our experience, clients who address structural access points early see far fewer repeat infestations later on. By blocking off entry routes, you’re cutting off the problem at its source.
Step 2: Cut Off Access to Food and Shelter
Even the most secure home can attract mice if food and nesting materials are easy to find. Mice have an excellent sense of smell and will return to areas where they’ve previously found food, even if it’s just a few crumbs. That’s why food control is just as important as sealing entry points.
Store all pantry items in airtight containers, especially grains, cereals, and pet food. Clean up spills right away, and avoid leaving dirty dishes or pet bowls out overnight. Garages and basements often double as food storage spaces, so make sure any birdseed, dry goods, or garbage is fully sealed.
Beyond food, mice also seek shelter. Reduce indoor clutter, such as cardboard, paper, or cloth piles, where they might nest. Outside, move firewood stacks away from the home and keep compost and garbage bins tightly sealed. These outdoor attractants are common but easily overlooked. By limiting food and nesting options, you make your space far less attractive to rodents.
Step 3: Trap Strategically
Once you’ve sealed entry points and removed food sources, the next step is eliminating any mice that are still inside. Trapping remains one of the most effective and humane methods, when done correctly.
Snap traps are the most reliable tool for quick kills and should be the first choice for most homeowners. Glue traps are less effective, especially in dusty areas, and not to mention, inhumane. Mice caught on glue boards often suffer prolonged stress and injury before dying, and these traps can also harm non-target species. For this reason, we don’t recommend them. Bait stations, which contain poison, are typically reserved for outdoor or commercial use and should be handled with caution, especially in homes with children or pets.
Placement matters just as much as the trap itself. Set traps along walls where mice naturally travel, especially in dark corners, behind appliances, inside cupboards, or near known droppings and rub marks. Mice rarely venture into open areas, so avoid placing traps in the middle of a room.
Rotate bait types every few days to maintain interest—try peanut butter, chocolate, dried fruit, or even nesting materials like cotton balls. And don’t overload the area with traps; too many in one space can actually reduce effectiveness.
Finally, check traps regularly and dispose of rodents safely. Consistent, well-placed trapping can help eliminate the remaining population while you continue monitoring for signs of activity.
Step 4: Monitor Activity and Adapt Your Setup
Trapping isn’t a one-and-done solution. Mice are adaptable, and successful long-term control depends on watching for signs that they’re still active and adjusting your approach as needed.
Common indicators of lingering mice include new droppings (typically found along walls or behind appliances), scratching sounds at night, or greasy rub marks near known entry points. If you’re still seeing activity after a few days, it’s time to reevaluate your setup.
Rotate bait types if traps are being ignored, and change trap locations to areas with fresh evidence. You may also need to reseal gaps you initially missed or overlooked during your first inspection.
Step 5: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even with the right tools, small missteps can slow your progress or make things worse. Some of the most common errors include:
- Using poison indoors: Rodenticides can lead to mice dying in hard-to-reach areas, causing odor problems. They’re also dangerous for pets and children.
- Setting only one trap: Seeing a single mouse usually means more are nearby. Use multiple traps to increase your chances of success.
- Placing traps in the wrong locations: Mice avoid open spaces. Traps work best along walls, behind appliances, and in tight corners.
- Overloading bait: A small dab of bait is more effective than a large glob. Too much bait can allow mice to eat without triggering the trap.
Avoiding these pitfalls helps you control mice faster and with fewer frustrations, especially when combined with the other IPM steps we’ve outlined.
Step 6: Know When to Call the Pros
There’s a point when even the most diligent efforts aren’t enough. If you’re still seeing droppings after sealing gaps, if traps keep turning up empty, or if the scratching in the walls never stops—those are signs it’s time to bring in a professional.
For larger infestations or situations where DIY methods aren’t enough, our expert mouse exterminators at Pestend can effectively address complex or recurring rodent problems using safe, strategic methods that go beyond surface-level fixes.
Pest control specialists bring experience, but they also have access to advanced tools and commercial-grade materials that most homeowners can’t use. These include tamper-resistant bait stations, motion-triggered monitoring, and thermal tracking to locate hidden nests. More importantly, professionals apply every stage of the Integrated Pest Management approach in a systematic way, which minimizes risk and maximizes long-term success.
At Pestend, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses across Mississauga tackle persistent rodent problems with fast, humane, and eco-conscious methods. From inspection to follow-up, we tailor every job to the property and severity of the infestation.
If the problem isn’t improving, or you just want it handled correctly the first time, it’s worth calling in help that gets results.
Get Lasting Results with Pestend’s Proven Mouse Control
Mice reproduce fast, and waiting too long gives them time to nest and spread. Taking early, informed action is key to protecting your home, health, and peace of mind.
By combining exclusion, sanitation, strategic trapping, and regular monitoring, IPM targets the full life cycle of a rodent problem and helps prevent it from returning. At Pestend Mississauga, we use the same humane, science-backed approach to deliver real results. Whether you’re dealing with your first mouse or a long-running infestation, we’re here to help.
Request a free quote, schedule an inspection, or book discreet service with our local experts today!
