Get Rid of Mice Fast: DIY Methods to Eliminate Mice in Your Home

You hear it: the telltale scritch-scritch behind your wall. Your bag of granola suddenly has a hole in it. And is that... a turd behind the blender?

You’ve got mice.

But this isn’t the time to scream or call in the apocalypse squad. It’s time to take charge—with a DIY plan that works. Whether you're hearing them in the attic or seeing them dart across your kitchen like little burglars, here's how to get rid of mice in your house fast—and keep them out for good.

Why Are There Mice in My House?

Mice aren’t evil masterminds. They’re just hungry, cold, and opportunistic.

They sneak in through holes the size of a pencil, looking for:

• Food (crumbs, pet kibble, rice, cookies)

• Warmth (insulation, laundry piles, oven back panels)

• Water (drips, leaky pipes, even condensation)

If you’ve got a roof and a snack—you’re invited to the rodent rave.

Fun fact? Mice have no collarbones, so if their head fits, their whole body does. That’s why "it’s just a tiny crack" never means what you think it does.

Step 1: Block the Entry Points

Getting rid of mice fast starts by cutting off their access.

Inspect these hotspots:

• Around baseboards and floorboards

• Behind your oven and dishwasher

• Where pipes enter walls

• Inside closets and cabinets near exterior walls

• Dryer vents and utility lines

Use this combo for sealing:

• Steel wool for stuffing the hole (they hate chewing it)

• Caulk or expanding foam to seal over it

• Bonus: hardware cloth or metal flashing for larger gaps

Think of this like boarding up a castle—every tiny crack is a potential siege point.

Step 2: Trap Like a Strategist

Forget the “one trap in the middle of the kitchen” approach. Mice aren’t dumb—they’re just small.

Key trapping strategies:

• Place traps perpendicular to walls (so the bait side touches the wall)

• Use multiple traps at once—think 4 to 6 per active room

• Reset traps daily, even if untouched

Best bait options:

• Peanut butter (sticky and aromatic)

• Nutella or chocolate chips (they have a sweet tooth)

• Bits of cooked bacon (yes, seriously)

Avoid these mistakes:

• Using your fingers to bait the trap (your scent may repel them)

• Touching the trap after a kill without gloves (mice are cautious of danger scents)

• Leaving traps in the middle of rooms (they travel along walls)

If you’re squeamish, opt for no-see electric traps or catch-and-release traps—but check them often. Nobody wants to accidentally host a mouse hotel.

Step 3: Repel with Natural Scents

Mice have sensitive noses. You can weaponize that.

Top DIY repellents:

• Peppermint oil – A few drops on cotton balls placed in corners, near doors, and under sinks. Refresh every 3 days.

• Vinegar + water spray – Wipe down mouse paths to erase scent trails.

• Clove oil + cayenne mix – Mice hate the spicy burn. Spray along baseboards.

One time, I left a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil inside a sock drawer after spotting droppings. That mouse must’ve thought it walked into a spa from hell—it never came back.

Quick Myth Buster: Cinnamon?

Nope—cinnamon doesn’t kill mice. It smells strong, sure, but it’s more of a mild deterrent, not a repellent. You’d have to build a spice tunnel around your kitchen for it to work. Stick with peppermint oil and steel wool.

Step 4: Make Your Home a Mouse-Free Zone

Once the invaders are out, you need to make sure the neighborhood doesn’t spread the word that your house is mouse-friendly.

Daily Mouse-Proofing Checklist:
✅ Wipe counters and sweep floors before bed
✅ Store pantry items in airtight plastic or glass containers
✅ Don’t leave pet food out overnight
✅ Empty garbage bins (especially compost and organic waste)
✅ Fix dripping faucets and leaking pipes
✅ Declutter tight corners, closets, and attic space

Think of it as cleaning for someone judgmental—only this time it’s a mouse with a good nose.

Step 5: Stay One Step Ahead

You may have stopped the first wave, but mice breed fast. Like, really fast.

Signs you’ve still got company:

• Fresh droppings (shiny and dark, like grains of black rice)

• Gnawed plastic or boxes

• Musty smell in hidden areas

• Scratching at night (they party while you sleep)

Keep traps set for at least 7–10 days after the last mouse. Rotate bait types if needed. They learn quickly.

Also, consider putting monitoring traps in key areas for the next month, just to make sure no new squatters have moved in.

Bonus DIY Trick: Bucket Trap

This one’s for the MacGyver in you.

You’ll need:

• A bucket

• A wooden dowel or hanger rod

• A soda can

• Peanut butter

• A plank for a ramp

Coat the can with peanut butter, string it on the dowel over the bucket, and position the ramp up to it. When the mouse tries to reach the bait—it spins and plop! In it goes. Works surprisingly well.

Final Thoughts

Mice are cute in cartoons, but in your kitchen? Not so much.

The good news? You don’t need poisons, panic, or a pricey exterminator. Just a little strategy, some peanut butter, and the willpower to plug every hole like your sanity depends on it.

Knowing how to get rid of mice in your house fast gives you back your peace of mind—and your pantry. You’ve got this. (And if you’re reading this at 2AM because you just saw a tail flick past the fridge—breathe. Step 1 starts in the morning.)

FAQ

Will mice leave on their own if I clean up?
No. If they’ve already nested, they’re not going anywhere without a fight. Cleaning helps prevent future visitors, but the current residents need evicting.

How many traps should I set?
More than you think. For a typical infestation, 4–6 traps per room with signs of activity gives you the best chance to catch them fast.