No homeowner wants to hear scratching in the walls, find droppings in the pantry, or spot a mouse dart across the floor. But mice are common household pests, affecting millions of households each year. They are especially common in the fall and winter due to dropping temperatures and rodents seeking shelter, food, and warmth. These tiny pests can get in from anywhere, including gaps in attics, walls, and basements.
So, what do you do when you suspect signs of mice activity? Contacting a pest exterminator in Baton Rouge is the best call, but can an exterminator really get rid of mice for good?
The short answer is yes, but effective mouse control involves much more than setting a few traps. Professional pest exterminators like Arceneaux Pest Management take a comprehensive approach that addresses the mice you see, the ones you don’t, and why they’re there in the first place.
Why Mice Are a Serious Problem
Mice are highly adaptable rodents that can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they reproduce quickly and establish nests in walls, attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas. Beyond the discomfort of having rodents in your space, mice can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, chew through wiring, insulation, and structural materials, and trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.
Even more concerning is the bacteria and diseases mice can spread. Mice carry foodborne diseases like Salmonellosis, viral infections like Hantavirus, and bacterial infections like Leptospirosis. They can also transmit diseases like the Plague, Lyme Disease, or Murine Typhus if they’re bitten by an affected flea or tick.
Bottom line: You don’t want mice taking up residence in your home. Because mice are nocturnal and good at hiding, an infestation can grow quietly before it’s fully noticed.
What Pest Exterminators Do Differently
While store-bought traps may catch an occasional mouse, they rarely solve the larger problem. The professional exterminators from Arceneaux Pest Control take a strategic, layered approach for mouse control.
Thorough Inspection
The first step is identifying where mice are entering and nesting. Our exterminators will inspect the interior and exterior of your property, looking for entry points, droppings, gnaw marks, and signs of activity. This helps determine the extent of the issue and the best course of action.
Targeted Control Methods
Our pest professionals use a combination of traps, bait stations, and monitoring tools placed in strategic locations. These methods are chosen based on safety, effectiveness, and the specific environment.
Exclusion and Prevention
One of the most important parts of professional mouse control is exclusion. Our exterminators seal gaps, cracks, and entry points that allow mice to get inside. Without this step, new mice can continue entering even after existing ones are dealt with.
Sanitation and Guidance
Exterminators also provide guidance on reducing attractants. This may include recommendations for food storage, waste management, and clutter reduction. These are key factors in discouraging rodents from returning.
Why DIY Solutions Often Fall Short
Many people try to handle mice on their own, especially at the first sign of activity. While this is understandable, DIY solutions often miss critical elements. For example, mice may avoid traps or relocate within the walls, which is especially common when traps are poorly placed. When this happens, mice may simply move deeper into attics, walls, or crawl spaces.
The infestation may also be larger than what you see. Mice reproduce quickly, and what may appear to be a minor issue can actually indicate a well-established colony. So if you see one or two mice running around, it’s probably not an isolated issue. Furthermore, if entry points aren’t sealed after treating a mice infestation, new mice can enter, leading to repeat infestations.
It’s also important to know that traps must be placed strategically around the home, such as along travel paths and nesting areas. Incorrectly placed traps can make products ineffective, prolong the infestation, and increase frustration for homeowners.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
The timeline depends on several factors, including the size of the infestation, the structure of the building, and how long mice have been present. Some improvements may be noticeable within days, while full control may take longer as monitoring and exclusion measures are completed.
The key is consistency and follow-through, especially for commercial properties because they face added risks. In settings like offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and medical facilities, rodents can damage reputations, violate health codes, and disrupt operations.
Arceneaux Pest Management understands the unique needs of both residential and commercial clients in the Baton Rouge area. Our customized approach ensures that mouse activity is addressed efficiently, discreetly, and safely.
Don’t Let Mice Take Over! Call a Trusted Pest Exterminator in Baton Rouge
Mice are persistent, but with the right expertise, they don’t have to take over your space. Arceneaux Pest Management offers reliable, professional rodent control solutions designed to protect your residential and commercial properties.
If you suspect mice in your home or business, don’t wait. Contact Arceneaux Pest Management at 225-791-9911 to schedule an inspection or request a free quote.