DIY Rodent Removal: 7 Tricks That Actually Work (and 3 That Don’t)

Rodents invading your home isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a potential health hazard and a threat to your property. From chewed wires to contaminated food, these tiny intruders can cause big problems. As a professional wildlife removal expert, I’ve seen it all—rodents squeezing through dime-sized holes, setting up nests in pantries, and even burrowing through walls.

While calling a professional is sometimes necessary, many homeowners can handle smaller infestations on their own with the right approach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven DIY tricks that genuinely work (and a few that don’t).

Why Do Rodents Invade Homes?

Rodents are opportunistic. They enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter, especially during colder months. Suburban homes are particularly vulnerable because they often offer easy access through gaps in siding, basements, or garages.

If you’re noticing signs of activity—droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds—chances are, they’ve already settled in. Now’s the time to act before the problem escalates.

7 DIY Tricks That Actually Work

1. Seal All Entry Points

Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small openings—mice need just 1/4 inch! Start by inspecting your home’s exterior and interior for potential entry points. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, and foundation cracks.

Pro Tip: Use steel wool to block gaps before sealing them. Rodents can’t chew through steel wool, making it an excellent deterrent. I once worked with a family who kept hearing scratching noises in their kitchen but couldn’t figure out how the rodents were getting in. It turned out there was a tiny gap behind the dishwasher leading to the crawl space. A little steel wool and sealant solved the problem overnight!

2. Use Snap Traps Effectively

Snap traps remain one of the most reliable methods for catching rodents. However, placement is everything. Rodents tend to stick to walls and avoid open spaces, so place traps along baseboards, behind furniture, and in corners.

Bait Suggestions: Peanut butter, chocolate, or even a small piece of bacon works wonders.

Pro Tip: Don’t overload traps with bait—it can make rodents cautious. A small dab is enough.

3. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Rodents thrive where food is plentiful and hiding spots are abundant. Keep your counters clean, store food in airtight containers, and vacuum regularly. Don’t forget areas like under the fridge and stove!

Decluttering is equally important. Stacks of cardboard boxes or piles of clothes in basements or attics provide perfect nesting spots.

Personal Anecdote: During a visit to a client’s home, I found a mouse nest inside an old shoebox tucked away in a closet. A little tidying up and some traps helped the homeowner avoid a repeat invasion.

4. Employ Natural Deterrents

Natural deterrents can help keep rodents at bay, especially if you’re dealing with a mild infestation. Some options include:

• Peppermint oil: Rodents dislike the strong scent. Soak cotton balls and place them near entry points.
• Ammonia: Mimics the smell of predator urine. Use cautiously as it can irritate humans and pets.
• Chili powder: Sprinkle it in areas you suspect rodents frequent.

These methods are best used as supplements to other control measures.

5. Install Ultrasonic Repellents

These small plug-in devices emit high-frequency sound waves designed to deter rodents. While results vary, many homeowners find them helpful when used in combination with traps and sealing.

Pro Tip: Place these devices in high-activity areas and avoid relying on them as your sole method of control.

6. Maintain Your Landscaping

Your yard plays a significant role in rodent control. Overgrown bushes, untrimmed trees, and cluttered yards can serve as highways and hiding spots for rodents.

• Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 3 feet from your roof.
• Store firewood off the ground and away from your home.
• Use rodent-proof trash bins.

7. Use Live Traps for Humane Removal

If you’re uncomfortable with lethal methods, live traps are a great alternative. Once you’ve caught the rodent, release it at least a mile away from your home to prevent its return.

Pro Tip: Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid leaving a human scent that could deter rodents.

3 Tricks That Don’t Work

1. Relying on Mothballs

Contrary to popular belief, mothballs are not effective at repelling rodents. Worse, they can be hazardous to your family and pets if inhaled or ingested.

2. Using Homemade Poison Mixtures

DIY poisons can be incredibly dangerous, especially in homes with kids or pets. Additionally, poisoned rodents often die in hard-to-reach places, leaving behind a foul smell and attracting secondary pests like flies.

3. Assuming They’ll Leave on Their Own

Rodents are unlikely to leave once they’ve found a comfortable spot. Ignoring the problem only gives them time to reproduce and expand their territory.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If you’re dealing with a large infestation or rodents keep returning despite your best efforts, it’s time to bring in the pros. Professionals can identify hidden entry points, set up strategic traps, and use safe, effective methods to eradicate the problem.