Blog>Expert Advice>How do pest control get rid of mice and rats?
Last updated: 10 February 2025
How do pest control get rid of mice and rats?
If vermin are nesting in your home, you'll want to contact a professional to deal with the situation, fast. But how do pest control get rid of mice and rats? Read on for all you need to know.
Unless they're in a cage, you're unlikely to want rodents inside your home. So if you've noticed signs that you have an infestation problem, you might be curious as to how pest control gets rid of mice and rats.
In this guide, we outline the typical methods used to eliminate mice and rats from your home. We also link to helpful cost information, so you can be sure of what to expect for their professional removal.
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The problem with mice and rats
Mice and rats enter properties looking for food, warmth, and shelter. However, whether you view them as cute or not, they're not the sort of houseguests you want in your home.
Rodents such as mice and rats multiply fast. They carry diseases and their urine and droppings contain harmful pathogens.
Aside from being a health hazard, these furry creatures can cause significant damage to your home - gnawing on your furniture and fixtures to grind down their teeth and make nesting material.
And they're not picky about what they get their teeth into. Electrical wiring, pipework, and gas supply pipes are some popular choices, which can lead to house fires, flooding, and other devasting damage.
The good news is, there are several ways to remove mice and rats from your property, which we'll explore, below.
How do pest control get rid of mice/rats?
Professional pest control services will safely tackle the process of vermin removal in three key stages:
1. Locate the nest
Your pest control expert will visit your home to locate the nest and survey the extent of the rodent problem. They'll also highlight potential access points.
Mice and rats are nocturnal, so you might struggle to spot them during the day. However, a professional will be able to confirm the telltale signs of their presence.
2. Place traps and bait
Once the problem has been assessed, how do pest control get rid of mice or rats?
There are several options that professional pest control companies use to remove rodents, depending on the extent of the problem. These include:
Rat and mouse traps
For more minor infestations, there are various rat and mouse traps available, including traditional snap traps and humane traps.
Snap traps have a trigger that causes a bar to snap down to trap and kill the mouse
Humane traps use a catch-and-release method - they must be checked daily and any rodents trapped in them should be relocated
Rat and mouse poison
Rat and mouse poison can be placed inside a bait station to get rid of rodent pests.
A bait station is a compact, enclosed box with a small hole to allow the pests to enter. The box contains poisonous bait, killing any rodents that consume it. However, the enclosed nature of the box means it's safely out of reach of children or pets.
Rodenticide
Professional rodenticides can only be administered by a certified pest control technician under strict guidelines and regulations to protect humans and the surrounding environment. This treatment would likely be used for a larger infestation.
3. Pest control prevention
A key part of pest control successfully getting rid of mice or rats is ensuring they don't return, i.e. preventing future infestations. A professional pest control technician will advise you to...
Rodent-proof the structure of your home
Seal up any openings or access points that rodents could use to enter your home or garden buildings.
Seal outside bins
Rats and mice will be attracted to rubbish left outside if not properly sealed.
Not leave food out
Food attracts vermin, so be sure to clean up after eating. Remember rodents will be attracted to bird food in the garden too.
Keep the garden tidy
An overgrown garden creates the perfect habitat for mice and rats.
Make your compost uninviting
Keep your compost heap moist and avoid adding food scraps.
Remove clutter from your loft
Mice, in particular, love nestling into a cluttered loft space to build their nest.
Cut back tall trees near your property
Branches extending toward your property make the perfect track for mice to enter your loft space.
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How much does it cost to remove mice or rats from a property?
The cost of getting rid of mice or rats by a professional pest control technician will depend on the scale of the problem, the type of treatment needed, and whether repeat visits are required.
However, as a guide, expect to pay in the region of £180 for rodent pest control. Take a look at ourpest control cost guide for more detailed information.
Find a licensed pest control expert near you
Before hiring a pest control expert, take the time to check they are a British Pest Control Association (BPCA) member and that they have a pesticide licence, if this is the method of treatment you choose.
All our members must pass up to 12 checks to be listed in our directory. Find your local trusted expert by searching your postcode below.
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