What to do when you got 99 problems and having mice is one

What happens when got 99 problems and mice is one? As an avid renter of an old, charming Boston apartment, I can tell you you’re going to get them. As winter approaches, attack the problem sooner rather than later – the mice have lots and lots of cold friends. I’ve lived in five apartments, and all of them (at one time) had mice. Sometimes they are the resident sneak, only showing up to nibble a suspicious hole in your chip bag. However, when you see any sign of these little guys you’re going to want to act quick. It doesn’t take long to escalate. We still aren’t speaking about the winter of 2015.

What brings about this post? Well, we just moved into apartment number 5 and found that someone else has moved in too. To our dismay these unwanted roommates won’t pay rent or clean up AND invite their friends over. Here are some tried and true tips to rid your apartment of these furry squatters – because you have them I promise.

Five Tips to Get Rid of Mice in your Apartment

Call your landlord.

Your landlord is going to want to tackle the problem ASAP. If your apartment has mice it means they are getting into the building somehow- translates to: they are in other apartments or will be soon. Usually,  landlords will come within the next few days and set traps. If this doesn’t work after a week – call them again. They will bring in the professionals. I’ve only had 1 issue with contacting a landlord about mice. In Massachusetts, it is your right as a renter to a safe and clean home. Make sure you know your renters rights. They are available online for viewing as well.

Set Traps where?

This one is obvious. However, mice are smarter than they look. Make sure you have common areas for mice baited. For example, under the stove, fridge, sink or air ducts (think air conditioning systems). Mice love to sneak through the pipes and hang out where there is food.

Look for Holes and Patch them with…

I’ve come to know a mouse hole when i see one. Its a suspicious opening in a corner or the carpet. Many of them look too small for you to even notice – until you have mice. Then every opening becomes a nervous tick. Patch holes with steel wool, which mice can’t chew through. I’ve also used tin foil and caulking to seal it up.

Sweep, Sweep

Have you seen Ratatouille, the movie? It’s exactly like that. If you leave food where they can get it, they’ll find it and tell their friends. Make sure your apartment is free of crumbs. This is always easier said than done when you have a lot of roommates. Make sure food is stored in sealed bins and dinner is cleaned up. Avoid snacking without plates and silverware (i.e. chips on the couch). Clean and sweep the floor after cooking. The more crumbs, the bigger the feast for your new furry friends.

Here Kitty, Kitty

Cats are cute, huh? well if you are in a position to be a responsible pet owner, getting a cat will rid your apartment of mice. Many of my friends have just borrowed a friend’s kitty for a week. Old fashioned, yet effective.

Have a Drink

Having mice is so stressful. You end up feeling straight up icky. Someone who doesn’t shower is touching your stuff. Yup, you deserve a cold one.

Here are some of the products we recommend (if you don’t like the traditional trap):