Yes, the number one thing to get rid of mice is sealing entry points — without closing off the gaps they use to get inside, no other method will last.
Mice are one of the most common pests Phoenix homeowners face, sneaking into kitchens, attics, and garages in search of food and shelter. Once inside, they breed quickly, contaminate food, and chew through wires or insulation, creating bigger problems than their small size suggests.
That’s why so many people ask the same question: what’s the number one thing that actually works to get rid of mice? While traps and poisons may offer short-term relief, the real solution is rooted in prevention — stopping mice from getting inside in the first place.
Why Mice Are Hard to Control
Mice are remarkably resilient and resourceful, which makes them difficult to eliminate once they move in. A single mouse can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime, giving them easy access to homes through cracks, vents, and gaps around doors or windows.
They also reproduce at an alarming rate. One pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in just a few months, which means even a small problem can grow into a full-blown infestation if left unchecked. Add in their ability to survive on crumbs and nesting material found in cluttered spaces, and it’s clear why DIY attempts often fall short.
Common DIY Methods People Try
When mice show up, most homeowners turn first to store-bought solutions. Traps are the most common choice, ranging from traditional snap traps to glue traps and newer electronic versions. While they can catch some mice, they rarely eliminate an entire infestation on their own.
Poisons and bait stations are another popular option, but they come with serious risks. Pets, children, and even non-target wildlife can be harmed if these products aren’t handled carefully. They also leave the problem of dead mice hidden in walls or crawlspaces, which can create unpleasant odors.
Some people try natural deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices. These may offer temporary relief, but mice quickly adapt, making them unreliable for long-term control.
The Number One Thing to Get Rid of Mice: Sealing Entry Points
The single most effective way to get rid of mice is to stop them from getting inside in the first place. No matter how many traps or baits you set, new mice will keep showing up if entry points are left open. That’s why exclusion — sealing every gap, crack, and hole — is the number one solution.
In Phoenix homes, common entry spots include gaps around utility lines, spaces under doors, openings in attics, and cracks in foundations. Using steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to close these points creates a permanent barrier that mice can’t chew through. Once the access points are sealed, traps and other methods finally become effective because no new mice can move in.
Exclusion tackles the root of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms, making it the foundation of any long-term mouse control plan.
Supporting Steps That Work Alongside Exclusion
While sealing entry points is the number one solution, pairing it with other steps makes your efforts far more effective. Sanitation is a key piece — keeping food sealed, cleaning up crumbs, and reducing clutter removes the easy meals and nesting materials mice rely on.
Trapping is another important support strategy. Once new entry is blocked, traps can be used to catch the mice already inside. Snap traps and electronic traps are usually more effective and humane than glue boards or poisons.
Finally, ongoing monitoring ensures the problem doesn’t return. Regularly checking for droppings, gnaw marks, or new holes gives you an early warning before a small issue becomes a large infestation. Together, these steps create a long-term defense against mice.
Why DIY Alone Often Fails
Many Phoenix homeowners spend weeks trying traps, poisons, or sprays only to find the mice are still around. Mice are smart and cautious, often avoiding traps if they detect human scent or if the placement isn’t strategic. This makes DIY efforts frustrating and time-consuming.
Poisons are even more problematic. They can be dangerous for kids, pets, and non-target animals, and they often leave mice to die in hidden spaces, causing strong odors. Even worse, poisons don’t prevent new mice from finding their way inside, so the cycle of infestation continues.
Without sealing entry points, no DIY method provides lasting results. That’s why homeowners often find themselves fighting the same battle again and again until professional help is called in.
Professional Mouse Control in Phoenix
When mice refuse to leave, professional help offers the quickest and most reliable solution. At AAAC Wildlife Removal of Phoenix, we combine exclusion, sanitation, and trapping into a comprehensive plan that eliminates mice and keeps them from coming back.
Our team knows the common entry points in Phoenix homes, from foundation cracks to attic vents, and we use proven methods to seal them off permanently. We also apply safe and effective trapping strategies to deal with the mice already inside, ensuring your home is fully cleared.
By relying on local experts, you avoid the risks of poisons and ineffective DIY gadgets. Instead, you get long-term peace of mind knowing your home is protected against recurring infestations.
Conclusion
The number one thing to get rid of mice isn’t a trap or a poison — it’s sealing off the entry points they use to sneak inside. Exclusion stops the problem at its source and, when combined with sanitation and strategic trapping, creates a long-term solution that really works.
For Phoenix homeowners, tackling mice alone can be an uphill battle. Partnering with professionals ensures the job is done thoroughly, safely, and with results that last.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Phoenix Today
If mice have made their way into your home, don’t waste time on traps or sprays that only scratch the surface of the problem. The team at AAAC Wildlife Removal of Phoenix specializes in sealing entry points, removing infestations, and keeping your home safe from future invasions.
