You’ve seen the telltale droppings, perhaps a little nibble mark on a bag of forgotten chips. The undeniable truth is a mouse is living under your fridge. Don’t panic! It’s a surprisingly common problem, and with some determination and practical know-how, you’ll soon evict this furry freeloader.
Step 1: Safety First
- Hygiene is key: Mouse droppings can carry diseases. Always wear gloves, and ideally, a mask, when cleaning up evidence of mice or handling traps.
- Power down: Ensure the refrigerator is switched off and unplugged before attempting to move it for a deeper clean.
Step 2: Understand Your Opponent
- Identifying your visitor: Knowing what kind of mouse you’re dealing with helps. Field mice are more likely to wander in, house mice might be setting up shop.
- Finding the entry point: Mice can squeeze through incredibly small gaps. Examine the exterior of your home for possible points of entry, particularly near the fridge’s location.
Step 3: Methods of Mouse Removal
- Humane traps: These live traps are a more ethical option. Bait them with peanut butter, a cracker with nut butter, or nesting materials like cotton balls. Check them regularly and release the mouse far from your home.
- Snap Traps: Tried and true, but not for the faint of heart. Use a strong trap baited with peanut butter and position it perpendicular to the wall or baseboard they may be running along.
- Ultrasonic Pest Repellers: These emit a high-frequency sound meant to deter mice. Results can be mixed, so don’t rely on these solely.
- The Natural Approach: Peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls placed around the fridge might be a deterrent, but often the mouse will simply get used to the smell.
Related: When Do You Start Spring Cleaning: Essential Tips & Tricks
Step 4: Prevention is Key
- Seal those gaps: Use caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to fill any potential entry points you found while inspecting.
- Clean and organized: Keep your kitchen tidy and food in airtight containers. Crumbs and easily accessible food are a mouse buffet.
- The cat solution: Not for everyone, but cats are natural mouse hunters and their presence alone can be a great preventative measure.
Additional Tips
- Blocking the fridge: Temporarily block any gaps under the fridge with cardboard or something similar to limit the mouse’s movement. This can make trap placement strategizing easier.
- Don’t use poison: Poisoned mice may die in inaccessible places in your home, leading to unpleasant smells and potential insect infestations.
- Calling the professionals: If the situation feels overwhelming or there’s evidence of an infestation, it’s sometimes better to call in professional exterminators.
Related: 30 Ways for Cleaning Glass With Microfiber Cloth
Final Thoughts
Ridding your kitchen of a sneaky rodent can be frustrating, but with perseverance, you can win this battle. Remember, removing their food sources and sealing up your home to prevent re-entry are the most crucial long-term solutions.
Let me know if you’d like any more specific information or advice on any of these points!