How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home: Signs, Prevention and Removal

Hearing scratching in the walls at night or finding droppings in the pantry? You’re not alone. Mice are one of the most common household pests in Melbourne, and once they find food and shelter, they settle in quickly. Knowing how to get rid of mice properly starts with confirming what you’re dealing with, then removing them and making sure they can’t get back in.

Signs you have mice

• Droppings: small, dark, rice-grain-sized droppings in pantries, cupboards, drawers or along walls.
• Gnaw marks: chewed food packaging, cables, skirting boards or cardboard.
• Noises at night: scratching or scurrying in walls, ceilings or under floors.
• Nests: shredded paper, fabric or insulation tucked into quiet corners.
• Grease marks: dark smudges along walls and skirting boards where mice regularly run.
• A musty smell: especially in enclosed spaces like cupboards.

Mice or rats in the roof?

Noises in the ceiling could be mice, but they could also be rats. Rats in the roof are common in Melbourne, especially in homes near trees, creeks or older properties. A few clues can help you tell the difference:

• Droppings size: mouse droppings are small, around the size of a grain of rice. Rat droppings are much larger, more like a jellybean or olive pit.
• Noise: rats are larger and heavier, so the sounds are usually louder and thumpier.
• Damage: rats can chew through tougher materials and leave larger gnaw marks and holes.

Identifying the right pest matters, because traps, baits and entry points differ between mice and rats.

How to get rid of mice in your house

1. Remove food and water sources

• Store pantry food in sealed glass, metal or thick plastic containers.
• Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight.
• Wipe up crumbs and spills, and keep bins sealed.
• Fix dripping taps and leaks.

2. Set traps in the right places

Snap traps are an effective, low-cost option. Place them along walls and behind appliances, where mice naturally run, rather than in the middle of the floor. A small dab of peanut butter makes good bait. Check traps daily and wear gloves when handling them. Keep traps out of reach of children and pets.

3. Use baits with care

Rodent baits can be effective, but they need to be used carefully. Always follow the label directions, and use tamper-resistant bait stations to protect children, pets and wildlife. Poisoned rodents can also be eaten by native birds such as owls, and by pets, so many households prefer to leave baiting to a professional.

4. Seal entry points

Mice can squeeze through gaps about the width of a pencil. Check around pipes, cables, vents, doors, garage doors and weep holes. Seal gaps with steel wool, wire mesh or proper rodent-proofing materials. Avoid using materials that mice can easily chew through, such as foam or plastic on its own.

5. Tidy up outside

• Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof and walls.
• Move woodpiles and stored items away from the house.
• Keep compost bins sealed and away from entry points.
• Clear rubbish and clutter where rodents could nest.

Do home remedies work?

You’ll find plenty of home remedies online, from peppermint oil to ultrasonic plug-in devices. Evidence that these reliably get rid of mice is limited, and at best they may only discourage mice for a short time. Removing food, sealing entry points and trapping remain the most dependable DIY steps for most homes.

Cleaning up safely

Rodent droppings and urine can carry bacteria. When cleaning up, wear gloves, spray droppings with disinfectant and let them soak before wiping them up with paper towel. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can stir up dust. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

When to call a pest controller

DIY methods can work well for a mouse or two, but it’s time to call in a professional if:

• You’re still seeing signs after a couple of weeks of trapping.
• You’re hearing activity in the roof or walls that you can’t reach.
• You suspect rats rather than mice.
• There’s damage to wiring or insulation.
• You have young children or pets and want to avoid handling baits.

A pest controller will inspect your home to find mice activity, recommend and apply a treatment suited to your home, and advise on proofing so the problem doesn’t come back.

Rodent problems turn up right across Melbourne, from homes near farmland and growth corridors in Werribee, Melton and Craigieburn to older inner-city homes in Fitzroy and Brunswick. While you’re checking for pests, keep an eye out for swarming termites too. Our guide to flying termites explains what to look for.