How to Clean Reusable Mouse Traps

How to Clean Reusable Mouse Traps

Handling mouse traps is easier said than done. They can be tricky to set and removing their victims may be a little gruesome. But traps must always be cleaned and handled properly. Mice, like rats and other rodents, carry many diseases that could make you very sick. If you’re currently struggling with a mouse problem, do not hesitate to give Mouse Control Toronto a call for help.

There are 13 species of mice in Canada, but two are most common: the house mouse and the deer mouse. While the house mouse is usually light grey or brown with a lighter belly, the deer mouse has a distinctly brown back and white front. Both mice spread disease, so it is important that you disinfect anything that they may have touched. Deer mice in particular carry Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal respiratory disease that is spread in the mice’s urine, droppings, and saliva. Proper disinfection will keep you safe and prevent any unwanted odours in the home.

To clean a mouse trap, spray it first with a household disinfectant or bleach solution that is 90% water. Allow the disinfectant to sit for about 10 minutes, then, wearing a pair of gloves, carefully remove the dead mouse from the trap and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Throw that bag out in the garbage. Then, using a disposable paper towel, wipe the trap clean. You can continue to use disinfectants as needed to remove any residue left. When you’re done cleaning, throw out your gloves and take the garbage out. You should then wash your hands. To reset the trap, carefully follow the instructions you used the first time. Be sure not to contaminate the trap with your smell when placing bait.

Setting and resetting traps is excellent, but you may want to do more to get rid of an infestation more effectively. First, remove as much clutter as you can around the house. Then, clean and organize the pantry so there is no food lying around. Store dried goods in sealable containers. Fix any leaky faucets you may have and get in the habit of vacuuming regularly. In the yard, move firewood away from the sides of the house and pick up any fallen fruit you find on the lawn. Then, seal and block all potential entry points to the home. Put some weatherstripping to the bottom of the garage door and cap wall vents with steel mesh.

Cleaning and reusing mouse traps is not only sanitary but economical. If you’re currently fighting off an infestation, be sure to set many traps at a time and check them every day. You should also remember that professional help is always around the corner. The technicians at Mouse Control deal with mice all the time and know exactly where to look for them. We will inspect your home from top to bottom and devise a plan that works best for your situation. Reach out to Mouse Control any time: 647-496-0492.

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