Dealing with a mouse or rat problem can turn a peaceful home into a stressful environment almost overnight. These fast-moving, quick-breeding pests can contaminate food, damage wiring, and pose real health risks if not addressed quickly and correctly. The good news? With the right steps—and reliable professional support from a trusted local company like ProGuard Pest Control—you can eliminate rodents and keep them from returning. In this guide, you’ll learn proven, effective ways on how to get rid of mice and rats, what really works long-term, and why homeowners across Eagle, Meridian, Star, Garden City, Emmett, and Boise trust ProGuard for safe, guaranteed rodent control.
How to Get Rid of Mice Rats: Understanding Why They Invade Homes
Before diving into proven removal steps, it’s essential to understand why rodents enter your house in the first place. Mice and rats rarely appear out of nowhere—they follow predictable patterns that homeowners can use to their advantage.
Common Factors That Attract Rodents Indoors
- Warmth during colder months—Rodents seek insulated areas like walls, attics, and crawlspaces.
- Easy food sources—Pet bowls, dirty dishes, crumbs, and open pantry items are irresistible to them.
- Safe nesting spots—Cluttered storage areas, cardboard boxes, and insulation are ideal materials.
- Water sources—Leaks under sinks or in basements can draw rodents inside.
Signs You’re Dealing With Mice or Rats
Most homeowners notice subtle evidence before seeing the rodents themselves:
- Small droppings near walls, drawers, or pantry areas
- Chewed food packaging or electrical wires
- Scratching sounds inside walls at night
- Greasy smear marks along baseboards
- Nesting materials such as shredded paper or fabric
If you’re noticing any of these, searching for “mice control near me” is your next best step, especially when activity seems constant or worsening.
Proven Steps That Work: How to Get Rid of Mice Rats Quickly and Safely
Rodent elimination requires both immediate action and long-term prevention. Below are time-tested methods used by professionals and homeowners alike.
1. Identify High-Activity Areas
Mice and rats are creatures of habit—they follow the same runways repeatedly. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or oily rub trails along walls. These areas should be the focus for traps, baits, and sealing repairs.
2. Seal All Entry Points
Even the most effective traps won’t work if new rodents continually enter your home. Seal gaps using durable materials like:
- Steel wool and caulk (for small holes)
- Metal flashing (for larger gaps)
- Weatherstripping on exterior doors
- Mesh screens for vents and foundation openings
Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so thoroughness is key.
3. Remove Food and Water Sources
- Store all pantry food in airtight containers.
- Clean crumbs and spills immediately.
- Fix leaks under sinks, behind appliances, and in crawlspaces.
- Take out the trash daily and use sealed trash bins.
4. Use the Right Traps for the Right Rodent
Mice and rats behave differently, so using the proper equipment matters.
Snap Traps
These remain the most reliable option for both species. Place them perpendicular to walls for maximum results.
Bait Stations
Rodent bait stations can be effective for larger infestations, but they must be placed safely and responsibly—especially in homes with children and pets.
Glue Traps
These should only be used in low-traffic areas and when other trap types are ineffective.
Live Traps
Live traps are an option, but releasing rodents outdoors is often ineffective—they typically return.
5. Deep Clean Hidden Areas
Rodents thrive in clutter. Decluttering storage spaces, garages, basements, and attic areas removes their hiding spots and makes prevention easier.
6. When DIY Isn’t Enough: Professional Rodent Control
If traps aren’t decreasing activity—or if the infestation is inside walls, attics, or crawlspaces—it’s time to call a trusted local expert. ProGuard Pest Control delivers fast, effective, and guaranteed solutions backed by years of real-world experience.
Why Professional Help Works Better for Recurring Rodent Problems
DIY methods may catch a few mice—but major infestations require expert handling. Professional rodent control services provide:
Accurate Inspection and Identification
Trained technicians know the difference between house mice, deer mice, roof rats, Norway rats, and other rodent species. Treatment varies by species, making correct identification critical.
Targeted, High-Quality Treatments
Professionals have access to tools, exclusion materials, and techniques that are not available over-the-counter yet remain safe for families and pets.
Long-Term Prevention vs. Short-Term Fixes
Companies like ProGuard Pest Control take a prevention-first approach—closing entry points, eliminating nesting spots, and reducing future risk.
Guaranteed Results
ProGuard’s service model includes a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, meaning your home stays rodent-free—period.
How ProGuard Pest Control Gets Rid of Mice and Rats Effectively
As a locally owned & operated, veteran-owned company serving Eagle, Meridian, Star, Garden City, Emmett, and Boise, ProGuard Pest Control uses a detailed multi-step process proven to eliminate rodents quickly and completely.
Step 1: Comprehensive Inspection
Our technicians identify nesting locations, food sources, entry points, and species type. This sets the foundation for effective treatment.
Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan
Every home is different—our team tailors a plan that may include trapping, bait stations, monitoring, and sanitation recommendations.
Step 3: Expert Exclusion Work
We seal gaps, repair vulnerable areas, and block rodent runways to stop them from returning.
Step 4: Eco-Friendly, Family & Pet Safe Solutions
All products and materials used are selected with safety in mind, making the treatments responsible and effective.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Guaranteed Results
Our no-contracts approach means you’re never locked into unwanted commitments. We stand behind every job until your rodent problem is fully solved.
How to Prevent Mice and Rats From Coming Back
Elimination is only half the battle. The next step is prevention.
Exterior Prevention Tips
- Install mesh screens on crawlspace and attic vents
- Trim shrubs and vegetation away from exterior walls
- Keep firewood stacked away from the home
- Repair small cracks in siding, concrete, or foundation areas
Interior Prevention Tips
- Store food in sealed containers
- Clean behind appliances regularly
- Vacuum crumbs and secure pet food overnight
- Replace damaged weatherstripping
Professional Monitoring
Rodents breed rapidly, and early detection is crucial. ProGuard offers routine inspection options that keep your home rodent-free year-round—with no contracts required.
When to Search “Mice Control Near Me” and Call ProGuard
Call a professional immediately if:
- You hear scratching in walls or ceilings
- You find droppings daily
- You see rodents during the daytime
- Your traps are always empty yet signs continue
- There are babies or nesting materials present
These are indicators of a growing or well-established infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get rid of mice or rats?
Most rodent infestations can be controlled in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on severity, access points, and the species involved.
Are DIY traps enough to eliminate a rodent infestation?
DIY traps may catch a few rodents, but large or recurring infestations typically require professional inspection, treatment, and exclusion.
Is professional rodent control safe for pets and children?
Yes. ProGuard uses safe, targeted methods designed to protect families, pets, and the environment.
What’s the difference between rats and mice during an infestation?
Mice are smaller and more curious, making them easier to trap. Rats are larger, more cautious, and often require a more strategic approach.
Does ProGuard offer a guarantee?
Absolutely—ProGuard offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all rodent control services.
If you’re struggling with a rodent infestation—or want to prevent one—ProGuard Pest Control is here to help. As a locally owned, veteran-owned company serving Eagle, Meridian, Star, Garden City, Emmett, and Boise, we provide fast, effective, and fully guaranteed rodent solutions with no contracts required. Contact ProGuard today and reclaim your home with confidence.