Why Aren'T Snap Traps Enough For Your Mouse Problem?
Snap traps are an effective method of pest control that almost no one enjoys using. Many people view these traps as a brute force option, although they can be relatively quick and humane compared to many other trap varieties. Unfortunately, while snap traps may be effective at stopping individual mice, they aren't necessarily as effective at dealing with an infestation.
As with most pest problems, you can't solve a rodent infestation by only dealing with the mice you can see. You also need to address the mice taking up residence in places you can't see while also preventing future entry. This guide will help explain why placing a few snap traps might not be enough and how you can resolve your issue permanently.
Why Aren't Traps Alone Enough?
Most rodent traps work by attracting pests with bait and then killing them with poison or mechanical action. Humane traps use a similar approach but trap the mouse in place for later removal. These methods can effectively attract and stop mice that may already be crossing your floors, but they won't necessarily draw out pests that can find sources of food elsewhere.
Since mice infestations can be extensive, catching an occasional mouse won't solve the underlying issue. You may still hear scratching behind walls or find mouse droppings in cupboards, even as your traps continue to catch more mice. A small number of mice can multiply quickly, so trapping a handful will leave many more unseen and uninvited guests.
What's the Better Solution?
Traps are necessary for any broader solution since it's still essential to capture and kill or remove the mice already in your home. However, it's also critical to locate entry points, prevent more mice from getting in, and deal with out-of-sight breeding populations. These measures help control the number of mice in your home while ensuring that more don't get inside.
Pest control experts always begin by evaluating the extent of the issue and looking for areas where mice can gain entry to your home. They may also place traps in areas where they expect mice to enter or travel and later return to see which traps caught the most rodents. This approach helps your exterminator find the parts of your home that need the most attention.
In addition to helping you remove your current infestation, a pest control expert can also show you vulnerable areas and suggest ways to help exclude pests from your home in the future. These preventative measures will ensure that you deal with your mouse problem once and for all and won't need to worry about placing more snap traps around your home in the future.