Mouse problem - exterminator recommendation

[The Goon]

About ten days ago, my wife and I found a mouse running through the kitchen. We knew there had to be more, so we set out some traps and caught about six in two days. We didn't see any evidence of mice for days but still set out the traps, and another was caught overnight Wednesday.

I don't think we can successfully say they're all gone, so I'm wondering if anyone on CP can recommend a reliable exterminator. I've lived in this place for nine years without any mice before last week, so something must have changed that they're getting in somewhere that we can't determine.

This is a real annoying (and potentially dangerous) predicament.

[photon]

I've used Cal-rid once on a property (more precautionary than anything), and they were very professional and seemed knowledgeable and took time to explain things to me. Weren't cheap tho.

http://www.cal-rid.com/en/

[Puppet Guy]

in all seriousness, if they don't cause you health issues, get a cat.

[topfiverecords]

[Komskies]

Have you recently had A/C installed? My parents started getting mice at their house the spring they got theirs installed.

[sclitheroe]

I heard having a pet ferret is more effective that a cat - the mice will detect that a ferret is around and leave of their own accord, which they might not do with a cat.

Haven't you always wanted a ferret?

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by The Goon

This is a real annoying (and potentially dangerous) predicament.

If you're concerned about hantavirus, it's somewhat an overblown concern. I'm not suggesting you want mice running around, but the incidence of hantavirus in Canada is exceedingly low - you are far more likely to die driving to work.

So don't stress too much.

[Cowperson]

Polly is missing her two back feet but still catches mice when we let her outside. Get a cat. Of course, there's the other 10-15 years when you don't need a cat after your mouse problem is gone.



Cowperson

[darockwilder]

Originally Posted by photon

I've used Cal-rid once on a property (more precautionary than anything), and they were very professional and seemed knowledgeable and took time to explain things to me. Weren't cheap tho.

http://www.cal-rid.com/en/

Another vote for Cal-Rid here. Plus they don't drive around in vehicles that let all your neighbours know "VERMIN BE HERE!!!".

[KTrain]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

in all seriousness, if they don't cause you health issues, get a cat.

That's a solution that will last you 16+ years...

[Russic]

Cats and their insatiable thrill of killing mice is probably my top reason for loving them, but be forewarned: The sound of a cat killing a mouse in the middle of the night is absolutely terrible. It's like a rodent snuff film being filmed outside your bedroom door and it'll last a lot longer than you'd like it to.

Our cat caught a mouse once. It was fine until the mouse stopped trying to escape, then my cat lost all interest and just walked away, letting a crippled mouse drag itself around the kitchen.

Maybe don't get a cat for this job.

We've used Abel Pest Control in the past. They did awesome work, but residential isn't really their focus.

[REDVAN]

Get at least 3 cats.

[Sinny Darino]

I had a mouse problem in my apartment, and after my useless freaking landlords bascially refused to do anything about it, I took matters into my own hands.

I bought some expanding sprayfoam and blocked up any access point into the aparment. I then bought a tonne of sticky traps and thankfully tracked the nest to being under the fridge. I set up these landmines all around the fridge and all over the kitchen. After about 4-5 days I managed to get them all.

Do not hire an exterminator, BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN!!!

Get some traps, be a man and do it yourself!!!!

P.S. Finding the nest really helps too!

[EVERLAST]

http://homestars.com/ab/calgary/pest-animal-control

Then call me and we can talk about a duct cleaning as you may have mice in your ducts (might) not definitely.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Russic

Our cat caught a mouse once. It was fine until the mouse stopped trying to escape, then my cat lost all interest and just walked away, letting a crippled mouse drag itself around the kitchen.
.

This means you are feeding him too well.

[killer_carlson]

Keep up with the traps, change locations and bait from time to time. Peanut butter works good as does cotton balls (they try to take it for their nest). Spend some time seeing where they are coming in. Check around drains and dryer vents and plug any holes with metal dish scrubbing pads.

For us, the source of the mice is the abandoned house next door. I think every stray cat for miles is camped out around that house. We only seem to get mice on that side of the house, but so far the traps have ben working.

[Kiran403]

Bumping this thread because I had my first encounter with mice in my house last night as I saw 2 running through my kitchen.
Any recommendations on traps or deterrents? I would like to see if I can catch them myself before calling any exterminators.

[killer_carlson]

i've caught 2 in the last 3 weeks. I think it could be time of year.

Get the traps out and bait them religiously. I've now gone so far as to tie dental floss around the bait area and put the peanut butter on top of that. The floss is another thing they will tug on to try and take to their nest.

As far as traps go, the old school traps still work best.

[Fuzz]

I caught 8 in my shed a few weeks ago. Old style traps with peanut butter.

[burn_this_city]

Snap traps with the metal trigger work best. I find the ones with the yellow plastic pad don't end up with a clean kill every time. Just keep the traps baited with peanut butter and you'll catch them as soon as they enter.