Yes. Most licensed extermination companies treat house mouse activity as a standard part of their offerings. If you’re hearing scratching in the walls or finding small black droppings along baseboards, you’re likely dealing with an indoor rodent issue–something that’s not just common, but expected in residential service calls, especially in Calgary where seasonal shifts push these animals indoors.
Don’t wait for visible damage. Chewed wires, torn insulation, or contaminated food stores are usually signs of a long-standing problem. By the time those appear, there’s often a well-established nesting site. If you’re unsure, a technician can usually confirm activity with a quick attic or basement check. They might even spot grease trails along floorboards–subtle, but tell-tale.
Trapping is standard, but bait stations, sealing access points, and sanitation guidance are equally important. It’s rarely about just removing the animal. The goal is stopping the pattern–identifying how they’re getting in, why they’re staying, and how to make sure they don’t come back. Some homeowners think plugging holes with steel wool is enough. Sometimes it is. But usually, it’s a piece of the puzzle, not the full fix.
At The Pest Control Guy, calls about these rodents spike in fall and early spring. It’s not just about food–it’s warmth, too. And if they’ve settled inside wall voids or under kitchen appliances, surface-level solutions won’t cut it. That’s why any decent provider will include follow-ups and monitoring options. Not everyone takes those, but the ones who do? They tend to sleep better.
Does Pest Control Include Mice?
Yes–dealing with rodents is a core service. If there’s scratching in the walls, droppings under the sink, or chewed packaging in the pantry, a professional technician will address it using targeted traps, bait stations, and access-point sealing. It’s not just about catching one or two; it’s about breaking the cycle and keeping them out long-term.
Companies typically assess how they’re getting inside–gaps in foundations, vent covers, open garage doors. Then they tailor a plan. Some homes may need just a one-time visit, others a regular schedule depending on the environment and risk level. You might be surprised how frequently food storage habits or even bird feeders contribute.
If you’ve had rodent issues once, there’s a good chance they’ll return unless entry points are sealed and attractants removed. That’s why scheduling follow-ups, similar to how you’d plan for how often should pest control be done for flies, helps reduce reinfestation.
Also, consider safety–especially for kids or pets. Wondering how long after pest control can I bring baby home? That concern often comes up with rodent treatment too, especially if interior bait is used. Most reputable providers use tamper-resistant setups and non-transferable products for peace of mind.
Rodents are as stubborn as pigeons, and in fact, some people ask: can pest control get rid of pigeons? The strategy is different, but the principle’s the same–eliminate access, food, and shelter.
For anyone trying to get rid of pests in Calgary, rodents are high on the priority list. They spread bacteria, chew wires, and multiply fast. Waiting often makes the problem worse, not better.
What Pest Control Services Typically Cover for Mice Infestations
Start with sealing. Any proper service begins by identifying and blocking entry points – gaps in siding, cracks in foundations, openings around utility lines. These aren’t always obvious, and they’re rarely in the spots you’d expect. A good technician will check attics, basements, even rooflines.
Next comes trapping and removal. Snap traps, glue boards, live traps – the choice depends on the environment, severity, and whether pets or children are nearby. Some companies use a combination of methods, especially if the issue’s been going on for a while.
Sanitation and scent control follow. Rodents leave pheromone trails that attract others. If those aren’t neutralized, the problem comes back. Professionals often clean nesting areas and use enzyme-based sprays or foam treatments. Some also recommend discarding contaminated insulation. That part’s rarely cheap, but sometimes necessary.
Monitoring is another layer. After the initial cleanup, many services install tamper-resistant bait stations – especially outside, near garages, sheds, or fences. These aren’t just to catch new intruders; they also help gauge ongoing activity. You’ll often be asked to check them between visits and report any changes.
Finally, a few providers offer minor repairs – like replacing gnawed-through vent screens or adding metal mesh behind siding. Not every company includes this, so it’s worth asking up front. And while some homeowners try DIY patches, rodents are surprisingly good at finding weak spots again.
If you’re in Calgary, The Pest Control Guy handles all of this and then some – and they’ll actually explain what they’re doing, which I personally appreciated.
How Exterminators Detect and Remove Mice from Homes
Start with droppings–tiny, dark pellets near food, under sinks, or along baseboards. If you’re seeing those, it’s not just one mouse. Professionals usually follow the trail using UV light or dust tracking to spot common paths and entry points.
Next step: listen. Literally. Scratching behind walls at night, especially in kitchens or attics, usually confirms what the droppings hinted at. Most specialists bring acoustic tools that pick up movement in wall voids. It’s surprisingly accurate.
Entry points are rarely obvious. A trained eye looks for holes the size of a dime–often where pipes enter, under siding, or around utility lines. Sealing these gaps is non-negotiable. No point removing rodents if the door stays open. Some companies also install one-way exclusion traps so stragglers exit but can’t return.
As for removal, traps are still the most common option–snap, live-catch, or multi-catch devices. Placement matters more than type. Corners, dark paths, and spots behind appliances work best. Many homeowners try doing this on their own, but if the setup’s wrong, it doesn’t work. That’s why residential mice pest control services usually include several visits and trap repositioning based on activity.
Some people ask for alternatives to lethal traps. Totally fair. In that case, humane mice pest control methods are offered–though they’re slower and often need more follow-up. But for homes with pets or kids, it’s sometimes the safer route.
Odour control’s another issue. After removal, you still might notice urine scent trails or worse. Enzymatic cleaners help, and insulation replacement may be recommended in attics. If that seems excessive, well–it depends on how bad the infestation got.
For anyone in southern Alberta looking to stop the cycle, a reliable Calgary pest control company should offer not just removal, but long-term prevention too. Rodents often return. And if you’re seeing similar signs outside–small tunnels in lawns or damaged roots–it might not be mice. Consider customized vole pest removal instead.
What Homeowners Should Expect After Mice Treatment
Expect to keep monitoring. Even after the rodents are removed, it’s normal to see signs like droppings or hear scratching for a few days. That doesn’t necessarily mean the issue is still active–it could be leftover evidence or a few stragglers reacting to the disruption. But you’ll want to stay alert.
Seal every opening you can find. Professionals may close up the obvious ones, but gaps behind appliances, under siding, or in attic vents often get missed. If left open, these spots invite re-entry. A quick walkaround with steel wool and silicone caulking goes a long way. It’s tedious, but absolutely necessary.
Cleaning Matters
After removal, thorough sanitation reduces health risks. Mice can leave behind urine trails and droppings that carry bacteria. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings–use a disinfectant spray first, then wipe. In older homes, insulation may need replacing. Sometimes that’s the only way to get rid of the smell entirely.
Don’t toss leftover bait stations just yet. It’s better to leave them in place for at least two weeks, especially near known entry points. Rodents often return to familiar paths. Let the setup work for you while you continue inspecting. If things stay quiet, then it’s safe to scale back.
Don’t Assume It’s All Gone
Rodent activity tends to overlap with other infestations. If burrowing continues near foundation lines or in garden beds, you might be dealing with voles–this vole pest management approach covers how to handle that. And if you start noticing nests in outdoor sheds or under decks during warmer months, it could easily turn into a wasp situation–yes, removal is possible, but the timing matters.
It’s tempting to treat the whole thing like a one-time fix. But realistically, mice are just a symptom. It’s about managing an ecosystem–your home, their habitat. No single solution sticks forever unless you stay proactive. That’s just the reality of it.
Q&A
Is mouse control typically part of pest management services?
Yes, most pest management providers include mouse control as part of their services. Mice are common household invaders that can cause damage and pose health risks, so controlling their presence is a routine aspect of pest services.
What methods are commonly used to manage a mouse problem in a home?
To address a mouse issue, professionals often combine trapping, sealing entry points, and advising on sanitation practices. Traps can be live-catch or snap traps, while sealing gaps helps prevent new mice from entering. Maintaining cleanliness reduces food sources, making the environment less attractive to these rodents.
Can pest services guarantee complete removal of mice from a property?
Guarantees are difficult because mice can be persistent and breed quickly. However, pest control efforts can significantly reduce their numbers and help prevent future infestations by eliminating access points and food sources. Regular follow-ups and homeowner cooperation improve the chances of long-term control.
Are there health risks associated with mice that justify hiring a pest service?
Yes, mice can carry various diseases and contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine. They may also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. Because of these concerns, many people choose to hire pest services to ensure the problem is handled safely and thoroughly.