Why do I have mice or rats in my home even though it’s clean?
Having a clean home doesn’t guarantee it will be rodent-free. Mice and rats are primarily searching for food, warmth, and shelter, and they can find those even in well-kept houses. Tiny crumbs or a bag of pet food in the garage can be enough to attract them. Also, rodents can enter through very small openings (a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime) in your walls, roof, or foundation. In the Pacific Northwest, cooler weather and rain often drive rodents indoors to escape the elements. So if you’re seeing mice or rats, it’s not a reflection of poor hygiene – it just means they found a way in and a reason to stick around. The key is to identify and seal any entry points and remove possible food sources to make your home less inviting.

For a fast and safe rodent removal, start with good old-fashioned traps placed strategically. Snap traps are very effective for quickly catching mice and rats – just be sure to put them along walls or in areas where you’ve seen droppings or activity (rodents like to run along edges). Bait the trap with peanut butter or another enticing treat. If you’re dealing with clever rats, use larger rat-specific traps and consider setting multiple traps at once. Always keep traps out of reach of children and pets. Avoid using loose rodent poison inside your home if you have kids or animals, as it can be hazardous; if you do use bait, place it in secure, tamper-proof bait stations. As you trap or bait, also eliminate what’s drawing them in: clean up any food spills, store pantry goods in rodent-proof containers, and fix leaks (rats and mice need water too). Always wear gloves when disposing of rodent carcasses or cleaning droppings, as a safety precaution. If the infestation is severe or you want extra peace of mind, consider calling a professional pest control service – they have the expertise and tools to remove rodents quickly while keeping your household safe.

In most cases, a traditional snap trap is the go-to choice for catching mice and rats. Snap traps work quickly, killing the rodent humanely, and modern versions often come in covered or easy-to-clean designs to make disposal simpler. For mice, simple wooden or plastic snap traps baited with peanut butter usually do the trick. For larger rats, you’ll need a sturdier, rat-sized snap trap (or even an electronic zap trap) since rats are stronger and sometimes cautious about new objects. Live-catch traps are another option if you prefer not to kill the rodent, but you’ll need to release the animal far from your home – and there’s always a chance it could find its way back. Glue traps are generally not recommended; they often cause prolonged suffering and can pose a hazard to pets or children. In short, a well-placed snap trap (or a few of them) along the rodents’ travel routes is typically your best bet for reliably catching and controlling mice or rats.

Getting rid of rats in an attic or crawlspace involves a combination of trapping and sealing up how they got there. First, identify and close any entry points leading into those spaces – common spots include gaps around attic vents, roof eaves, damaged soffits, and openings around pipes or cables. You might find telltale signs like gnaw marks, nests, or droppings that guide you to their pathways. Once you’ve sealed off the entryways (using materials like hardware mesh, steel wool, and caulk), set up rat traps in the attic or crawlspace along the routes where you see activity. Sturdy snap traps or enclosed bait stations work well; check them frequently so you can remove any caught rodents before odor becomes an issue. Be sure to wear protective gear (like gloves and a dust mask) when handling traps or cleaning droppings, since attic and crawlspace rodents can carry germs. It’s also a good idea to remove any nesting materials or contaminated insulation so it doesn’t lure more pests in the future. Because these areas can be tricky to work in, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control team – they can safely remove the rats and help rodent-proof your attic and crawlspace to prevent future invasions.

If you want to deter rodents without using poisons or harsh chemicals, focus on making your home unappealing to them and use natural deterrents. One popular remedy is peppermint oil: rodents seem to dislike the strong smell. You can put a few drops on cotton balls and place them near entry points or in the back of cabinets (just remember to refresh them every so often). Some people have also had success using strong smells like ammonia or even placing used kitty litter (from a cat’s litter box) near rodent burrows outside – the scent of a predator can scare them off. Good old-fashioned snap traps are also essentially chemical-free; they rely on physical action to catch mice or rats (bait them with peanut butter or chocolate). Additionally, concentrate on exclusion and cleanliness: seal up any holes or gaps with steel wool and caulk, and keep all food in rodent-proof containers. By cutting off their food and shelter and using a few natural repellents, you can often significantly reduce rodent activity without resorting to toxic chemicals.

Yes, rodents are an issue throughout the year in the Pacific Northwest. Our region’s climate is relatively mild, so mice and rats don’t have a true “off season.” In fact, rodents can breed year-round if they have steady shelter and food (like inside a cozy home or garage). That said, you might notice rodent problems peak at certain times: for example, in the fall and winter, rats and mice often try to move indoors to escape the cold and rain. In the warmer months, they may be more active outdoors but can still sneak inside seeking food or nesting sites. Places like Portland and Olympia experience year-round rodent activity, so it’s wise for homeowners to stay vigilant in every season. Consistent prevention – sealing up entry points and keeping food sources secure – is important at any time of year. Many locals opt for ongoing pest control plans to ensure there’s always a protective measure in place, no matter the season.