To protect yourself against germs while cleaning up after the mice, wear PPE while you work: don a facemask and rubber gloves to prevent inhaling or touching the droppings.
Alternatively, you can mix water and bleach together in a spray bottle at a ratio of 10 to 1 and apply this to the area. Be aware that bleach may be destructive on certain soft surfaces. While fresh air will help clean out the affected area, be sure not to agitate the mouse urine by scrubbing or sweeping the area with a broom or by shaking out soiled rugs or curtains as this could cause the germs in the urine to become airborne.
Soft surfaces are much harder to eradicate odors from than hard surfaces. If the mice have gotten into the insulation in your walls, you may need to replace it. If you cannot remove the stench from your sofa or carpet, you may need to remove them and replace them. If you’re able to wash any soft surfaces, such as a couch cover, stuffed animals, or drapes, wash them on high heat with regular detergent. Dry them in the dryer or let them air-dry on a clothesline.
You can also lay them undisturbed in a rodent-free indoor space for 3 to 6 weeks (the longer, the better).
Before you remove your gloves, wash your gloved hands thoroughly. This way, once you remove the gloves, you don’t re-contaminate your hands while you hold them.
Even just leaving an open container of baking soda near the affected area can help neutralize the smell. If you’re trying to eradicate the scent from walls or from another un-vacuumable surface, try leaving an open container of baking soda near the area. You can also use activated charcoal to neutralize the odor: just lay a few pieces of activated charcoal on a metal tray and set the tray close to the area. [7] X Research source You can drench your home in disinfectant, but you might still have a lingering odor. The good news is this scent will probably fade in time.
Lavender and rose are popular floral scents, while vanilla and coconut will make your home smell warm and yummy. Peppermint, lemon, and orange will give your space a fresh scent, while linen and cotton scents will make your home smell light and clean. You can DIY your way into a fragrant home by simmering water on the stove and adding fragrant herbs and fruits, like citrus slices, lavender, or mint. [8] X Research source Bonus: lavender, citrus, and peppermint also deter mice!
Fresh mouse feces look like small black cylindrical pellets and are likely to be found in pantries or cupboards, while older droppings are gray and resemble dust. If you only find older droppings, the mice are likely gone. If you’re reading this article, you already know you have mouse droppings in your home, but if the droppings keep coming back after you clean, you know the mice are still there.
Mice will urinate and defecate pretty much anywhere, but their droppings will be concentrated around the nest. So if you’ve found mouse droppings, the nest is probably close by.
Mice rely on what they can feel for direction because they have poor vision. Hence, they rub up against walls as they scurry through the house, using the wall as a guide.
If you’ve got a cat or dog, they’ll probably detect mice before you do. Pay attention to your pet’s activity: if they’re poking around a specific area or seem to be on high alert, they could be sensing a mouse nearby.
If you can, seal the house prior to setting any traps so that scared or wounded mice can’t escape. If your mouse traps laden with cheese or peanut butter don’t seem to be working, try luring the mice with cotton balls, paper towel scraps, or other items they may want to use to make a nest with. Alternatively, try putting food on your mousetrap—and then not setting the mousetrap. Let the mice get accustomed to eating from a mousetrap for several days, and then set the trap.
You can also place cotton balls covered in essential oil near their nests. Mice don’t like citrus, lavender, peppermint, and clove scents (though they smell great to us). [14] X Research source
Keep an eye out for mice droppings: if they seem to be increasing, it’s a sign your mouse problem is getting out of hand, and it’s probably time to call a professional.
If you don’t have a cat already, and if you’re able to get one, they make a great defense against mice. Just the presence of a cat can deter mice from nesting in your home.
