At a routine termite inspection recently he was telling me about the last job he'd done - a routine mouse treatment.
"So what should you do if there's a mouse in your house?" I asked
- Do something. Ignoring them will just invite more. Mice are social creatures and when they find a place that's comfy they invite friends - and they invite their friends- and they invite their friends... Before you know it you've got rodent Burning Man in your laundry room.
- Clean until you find the nest. As good little party hosts, chances are good that they have been nesting somewhere. Do you have a place in your house where things are "stored" (see: forgotten) and you can't get to it easily, or often. That's a very likely candidate. If they've been partying in there for a while you may smell them too. They pee around the nest to help their friends find them. They also sometimes die nearby (especially if you maybe put out some poison) and that will make a smell too.
- Call a professional. Like so many things in home ownership, if you want it done right you really should get someone in with the expertice and experience and tools to help you make the problem go away. Most of the things you will think to do (put out traps/ poison / etc.) if not done correctly for the particulars of your situation will just drag out the process. You'll be calling them in a few months anyway. A pro will also be able to more easily assess if you've got a full on party, or just a few scouts and treat accordingly. They will be able to tailor the treatment for your family (dogs/ kids) and help keep everyone safe... everyone but the mice.
