A homeowner finds evidence of mice, puts out bait, and sees activity stop. A few weeks later, fresh droppings appear beside the pantry. The frustrating part is that the first step may have dealt with some mice without changing the conditions that brought them inside.
Rodent control works best when it starts with a simple question: how are the animals getting in? Check around utility lines, garage-door edges, damaged vents and the point where siding meets the foundation. A gap that looks minor from the outside may open into a much larger space behind a wall. Don’t assume the kitchen is the entry point just because the signs appear there.
Next, look at what makes the home useful to a mouse. Open pet-food bags, crumbs under appliances, and uncovered garbage can provide food. Leaky plumbing and damp storage areas may provide water. Moving food into closed containers and repairing leaks reduces these attractions, but it does not replace an inspection for entry points.
Bait is only one possible control measure. It should never be left loose where children, pets or wildlife can reach it. Health Canada advises following the product label and using tamper-proof bait stations where children or pets may have access. An inspection can help determine whether bait is appropriate at all and how to monitor the result.
Keep a short record of what you see: the room, the date, any damaged packaging, and whether new signs appear after cleanup. Repeated activity in the same place can help trace a route. If you cannot identify the source, or fresh signs continue, a pest professional can inspect the building and recommend a plan that addresses both current activity and access.
For Durham Region homeowners looking for local pest control information, visit https://pestcontroldurhamregion.ca/
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Illustrative image of a home pantry, created for this article | AI generated
