Mice in an apartment building aren’t just a small problem. If one person sees a mouse, chances are, there are more hiding somewhere. These pests spread fast, and once they settle in, they won’t leave unless they’re forced out. Handling mice in a single unit might offer temporary relief, but unless the whole building is addressed, they’ll just keep moving around. Getting rid of them for good requires sealing up entry points, removing food sources, using effective traps, and making sure everyone in the building is on the same page.
How Mice Get Inside
Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, often much smaller than most people realize. A gap as small as a dime is enough for them to wiggle through. They can enter through cracks in the foundation, small holes around pipes, gaps under doors, and even vents. If the building has any shared laundry rooms, storage areas, or basements, these can also be common entry points.
Residents might notice signs before actually seeing a mouse. Droppings, gnawed food packaging, scratching noises in the walls, or a musty smell in hidden areas are all red flags. If one person is seeing signs, others probably are too.
Sealing Entry Points
The best way to keep mice out is to make sure they have no way in. Every unit should be checked for gaps around baseboards, under sinks, around pipes, and near appliances. Even small cracks in walls should be sealed up. Steel wool is a great option because mice won’t chew through it, unlike softer materials. Expanding foam can help fill gaps, but it works best when combined with something sturdier.
Doors and windows should also be checked. If weather stripping is worn down or missing, that creates an easy way in. Gaps under doors are another problem, especially for units on the ground floor. Door sweeps can help keep mice from sneaking in.
Outside the building, any holes or cracks near the foundation need attention. Vents should have secure covers, and any damage to siding or roofing should be repaired. If a building has shared trash bins, making sure they’re properly closed and not sitting open is also important.
Removing Food and Water Sources
Mice won’t stay where there’s nothing to eat. Open bags of snacks, crumbs on the counter, and even pet food left out overnight can be enough to keep them around.
Residents should store food in sealed containers, wipe down counters regularly, and take the trash out often. Even a small amount of food left behind can attract mice. Cleaning under appliances like stoves and refrigerators is also important since crumbs tend to collect there.
Outside the units, common areas need attention too. If trash chutes aren’t emptied often enough, or if shared kitchens or lounges have food sitting out, that can attract mice. Dumpster areas should be kept clean, and trash bins should always be properly closed.
Water sources also matter. Leaky pipes under sinks, dripping faucets, or standing water in basements or laundry rooms can provide what mice need to survive. Fixing leaks quickly can help cut off a major resource for them.
Using the Right Traps
Traps work, but only if they’re used correctly. Mice tend to travel along walls rather than running through open spaces, so placing traps in the right spots is key. Good places for traps include baseboards, corners, under sinks, behind appliances, and in dark spaces like closets or storage areas.
Different traps work in different ways. Snap traps are quick and effective, but some people don’t like using them. Glue traps can work, but they can also be difficult to deal with. Humane traps require checking often, since mice caught in them need to be released far away to prevent them from coming back.
Baiting traps properly is just as important as placement. Peanut butter is a good option because it sticks to the trap, making it harder for mice to grab and run. Seeds and nuts can also work, but cheese—despite being a popular image in cartoons—isn’t the best choice.
If traps aren’t working, moving them around or trying a different type might help. Some mice are cautious and won’t approach traps right away. Giving it time and experimenting with placement can increase success.
Why Working Together Matters
Even if one person keeps their unit spotless and seals every gap, it won’t make a difference if other units still have problems. Mice move between walls, vents, and floors, so dealing with them in only one place won’t solve the issue.
Property managers should encourage residents to report sightings so the problem can be tracked across the whole building. If multiple units are seeing mice, it’s time to take a building-wide approach. This is where professional pest control can help.
Pest Share offers a way for apartment communities to handle pests without putting the burden on individual residents. Instead of each person trying to deal with mice on their own, everyone benefits from a shared pest control plan. This means faster treatment, fewer infestations, and a lower chance of mice coming back.
Keeping Mice Out for Good
Once the mice are gone, keeping them from returning takes ongoing effort. The same steps used to get rid of them—sealing entry points, removing food sources, and keeping up with regular cleaning—are also the best ways to prevent them from coming back.
Regular inspections help catch problems early. Checking for new gaps, staying on top of repairs, and making sure trash is handled properly all make a difference. If any signs of mice start appearing again, acting quickly is key.
Mice are a common problem in apartment buildings, but they don’t have to be a permanent one. With the right approach, they can be removed and kept out for good.
