This Is What Exterminators Really Do To Get Rid Of Mice, According To Our Entomology Expert

If you spot signs of a mouse being in your home (think bite marks in your food packets or droppings on your floor), it's important to take action immediately. If you spot a mice outright, this is a sign of a much larger infestation and you definitely need to take steps to eradicate it. For some, this means setting traps or searching what will stop a pesky rodent infection. However, in most cases, it's best to put the DIY methods to one side and reach out to a professional instead.

Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Scott Svenheim, National Training Manager and Certified Entomologist at Truly Nolen Pest Control, explained why. "Most pest control professionals undergo rigorous training to learn proper techniques for effectively eliminating pests," Svenheim shared. "They acquire knowledge about the biology and habits of each pest, as well as where they typically live and breed. Additionally, they are well-versed in inspecting locations for pest activity and have expertise in using different products safely and effectively. By law, pest control professionals must be certified to use these products and must follow all regulations regarding their use to ensure safety and effectiveness." 

Now you know why it's probably better to call in pest control when you spot signs of mice, you're probably wondering some of the specific methods professionals will use to banish them. Techniques pest control professionals use include boarding up all possible entry points, traps, and, in exceptionally severe cases, fumigation. The methods will vary depending on the size of the infestation and the main issues occurring. A few of these techniques can be harmful to the mice, which is a side effect not everybody will be comfortable with.

The good news is that, if you want to get rid of the mice problem in your home without harming the mice, there are ways to do this. As Scott Svenheim shared with House Digest, "[There are] exclusion techniques to keep them [the mice] out of the house – live trapping and relocation. There are a few repellents that can be used as well, although they are not all effective."

Sometimes, it isn't easy to know whether you should call in pest control or leave the issue a bit longer to see if it resolves itself. You might also be tempted to deal with a mice problem yourself to try and save money — something Scott Svenheim advises against. "Pest control should be left to professionals who have the appropriate training, tools, and materials as homeowners may exacerbate the situation," Svenheim reiterated to House Digest.

The price of hiring pest control will vary depending on factors like the scale of the job and your location. On average, Architectural Digest reports that hiring a professional to vanish any mice from your property will cost between $400 and $800 a year. There might be extra costs for the first visit and any extra assessments, too. While this is on the pricier side, it's definitely worth it if you want to be sure that you won't be seeing any mice or dealing with the effects of an infestation.