I'm living in an apartment complex with around 8 houses split into two apartments each, and I've run into a major mouse problem. We all throw our trash in a shared spot, and I've noticed holes in the ground close to that area. It seems like there's a mouse infestation throughout the complex. As a first-floor resident, I've been hearing noises in the ceiling for months and even seeing mice in my apartment. I've managed to catch 5 using traps, but I still hear noises, suggesting there are more mice, potentially in the walls too. I can't afford a professional exterminator, so I plan to keep using traps until I don't hear noises for at least two weeks. After that, I want to check for any holes in my apartment and seal them off. I'm avoiding sealing them now because I don't want to trap any mice inside. Does this sound like a good plan? Do you have any other suggestions for handling this myself? Additionally, what should I do about the holes near the garbage area? Should I report it or try to block it off myself? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Killing mice in your apartment won't solve the problem if they're coming from outside—especially from that trash area. You'll want to take action there. If you’ve got a negligent landlord, don’t hesitate to involve the health department. They can help put pressure on getting the trash situation under control. But start with cleaning meticulously to eliminate any attractants—seriously, your health could be at risk with diseases like hantavirus.
You should definitely consider informing your landlord or property management about the situation. They might need to get a professional to do a rodent exclusion, which seals any openings to prevent mice from entering. Just addressing your unit won't fix the bigger issue of the whole building—those mice are likely coming from the shared garbage area. Check your rental agreement to see what responsibilities the landlord has. Good luck with this!
Honestly, I think you should dive into a few episodes of Tom and Jerry for some mouse-fighting inspiration! But on a serious note, you need to tackle the source of the problem. If you're in the US, it's your landlord's duty to handle pest issues if you're leasing. If it’s not in your lease, focus on sealing off their entry points. I had success using copper mesh and foam insulation, which makes it harder for them to get in. Just a heads up, I switched to electric traps that kill them instantly, so there's no messy cleanup afterward.
While hantavirus is serious, it's worth noting that there have been way fewer cases than many think, so people can panic. Just keep a clean space to minimize risks.