Dealing with mice yourself: what works, what does not and when to call a professional
It is natural to try yourself first. Here is honest advice on what you can do, where it often goes wrong and what you do not need to spend money on.
Start with a few snap traps
- Place snap traps along the mouse route. Put them with the short side against the wall, where you see droppings, gnaw marks or grease marks. Mice rarely cross open floor.
- Use a tiny bit of bait. Hazelnut spread or bird-feed peanut butter works well. A very small amount is enough: the mouse has to touch the trap to reach it.
- Remove other food. Store food and pet food in sealed containers and clear crumbs and waste. The mouse will then go for your bait.
- Check daily. A trap you do not check does not help. Wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.
My honest advice: if you want to try yourself first, limit it to a few snap traps and do not spend more than that.
A lot of money on materials, little result
People who call me have usually tried themselves first. In almost every case it did not work, or not completely. By then a lot of money has often been spent on materials, and that cost comes on top when they still hire a professional.
There is a reason. The rules on poisoned bait have been tightened, and there is simply no good product left on the consumer market. What you find in shops is often not strong enough to stop a real infestation.
I advise against glue traps. They are not animal friendly: the mouse often stays stuck for a long time and suffers. They also work poorly.
Sounds and smells (ultrasonic devices, peppermint, vinegar) can make part of a house less attractive, but are rarely the solution. The mice usually just move elsewhere in the house.
All that work for nothing
Sometimes people do too much work and still forget the essential points. The result: hours of effort, and the mice still get in. Common mistakes:
- a cable or pipe entry that was overlooked;
- a ventilation grille or air vent that was not sealed;
- openings filled with sealant or foam, which mice gnaw through easily;
- one opening sealed while the mice use another route.
Mice rarely enter high up in a house: their eyesight is poor, so they stay low, close to the ground. That is where inspection and proofing focus.
When not to wait
- you find droppings or gnaw marks in several places;
- you hear noises in the ceiling, attic or cavity wall;
- cables or pipes have been gnawed;
- there are children or pets in the house;
- the mice are near food or in your kitchen.
A family of mice grows fast. I would rather be called early than late.
Tailored advice, so you can finish the job yourself
I can get you started. With tailored advice, you can finish the treatment yourself after one visit from me. I provide the right materials and information, so you do not do unnecessary work or spend money on products you do not need. Prefer me to do it? That is possible too.
Costs at a glance
Clear rates, VAT included. No surprises.
First visit
€95 incl. materials
- Thorough inspection of your home or property
- Treatment plan tailored to your situation
- Traps and/or bait stations placed
- Personal proofing advice: do it yourself or let us do it
Check-up visit
€55 incl. materials
- Check of the bait points we placed
- Refill or adjust where needed
- The number of visits depends on the size of the infestation
Proofing (optional)
€25–€50 usually
- Seal entry points so mice do not come back
- You hear the price on site, before we start
- We only start work once you agree
- Prefer to do it yourself? That is fine, you get the advice
These rates include VAT and apply to private homes. Business premises: price on request, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Rarely. Sound may make part of a house less attractive, but it does not solve an infestation. The mice often just move elsewhere in the house.
A smell may discourage mice in one spot for a while, but rarely for good. It is no substitute for traps and sealing entry points.
Hazelnut spread or bird-feed peanut butter. Use a tiny bit, so the mouse has to touch the trap to get it.
No, I advise against them. The mouse often stays stuck for a long time and suffers, and they do not work well.
Because of tightened rules, there is no good product left for consumers. What is available is often not strong enough for a real infestation.
Keep it to a few snap traps. If you see no result after a few days, or you see more signs, it is wise to call a professional.