How to: Get Rid of Mice

You hear scratching in the walls at 2 a.m. You find little black droppings under the sink. And your dog’s been barking at the pantry for three nights straight. Yeah—you’ve probably got mice. Not fun.

If you’re living in the Bay Area and you’ve been hit with a rodent problem, you’re not alone. Mice are quick, sneaky, and know how to make themselves right at home. But with the right game plan and the right pest control partner, you can shut it down fast. I live here, too, and trust me—I’ve seen how a small mouse issue can spiral. So, let’s talk about how to kick these pests out.

Why Mice Love Your Home (Especially in the Bay Area)

Whether you’re in Union City, Richmond, or tucked into the North Bay, mice all want the same three things:

• Food: Crumbs, pet food, even birdseed in the garage. It’s all up for grabs.

• Water: Leaky faucets, condensation around pipes, or your pet’s water bowl.

• Shelter: They love warm, quiet spots. Attics, wall voids, behind appliances—ideal mouse condos.

Your home doesn’t need to be dirty for mice to move in. All it takes is a hole the size of a dime, and boom—you’ve got tenants.

How to Get Rid of Mice: Your Game Plan

Here’s how I like to break it down. Simple, effective, and no nonsense.

1. Seal the Entry Points

• Walk the perimeter. Look for gaps in vents, holes near pipes, cracks in the foundation.

• Use steel wool and caulk or wire mesh. Mice will chew through foam like it’s a snack.

• Don’t forget your garage door sweep and weather stripping.

2. Remove the Buffet

• Store food in glass or metal containers.

• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.

• Take out the trash often. Keep bins closed tight.

• Don’t leave pet food out overnight.

3. Cut the Clutter

• Mice love hiding in storage boxes, piles of paper, and old clothes.

• Declutter garages, basements, and under-sink areas.

4. Set Traps Strategically

• Snap traps are still the go-to. Set them along walls (mice like to hug the edges).

• Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or nesting material.

• Use gloves. Your scent can make mice avoid the traps.

5. Call In the Pros

DIY can only go so far. If you’re still hearing squeaks or spotting droppings after all this, it’s time for real help. That’s where ATCO Pest Control comes in.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): What Sets Us Apart

We’re not just here to lay traps and bounce. At ATCO, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to tackle rodent problems the smart way. That means:

• Identifying how mice are getting in

• Eliminating the current problem

• Preventing future infestations with long-term strategies

Whether you need pest control in Richmond, Union City, or anywhere across the East Bay or North Bay, our team brings decades of real experience.

Check out our guide to Identifying Rodent Problems if you’re unsure how deep your issue goes.

Real Talk: Mouse Problems Don’t Fix Themselves

I had a client in Walnut Creek who thought he just had “a couple” of mice in the garage. Turns out they’d built a full nest in his car engine bay. Cost him thousands in repairs. Lesson? The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

Mice carry diseases, chew through wires, and can cause structural damage. They’re not just gross—they’re a real risk.

FAQs About Getting Rid of Mice

Q: How do I know if I have mice or rats?
A: Mice are smaller, with tiny droppings (about the size of a grain of rice) and make lighter scratching sounds. Rats are bigger, louder, and leave behind larger droppings.

Q: Do ultrasonic repellers work?
A: Mixed results. Some people swear by them, others see no change. They’re not a standalone fix.

Q: Can mice really fit through a dime-sized hole?
A: Yep. It’s wild. They collapse their ribs and squeeze right through. That’s why sealing entry points is a must.

Q: How fast do mice reproduce?
A: One female can have 5 to 10 litters a year. That’s why acting fast is so important.

Q: Is professional pest control worth it?
A: 100%. Especially if you’re dealing with repeat issues or can’t find where they’re getting in.

Your Next Step

If you’re spotting mouse droppings, hearing noises in the walls, or catching a glimpse of something scurrying across the floor, don’t wait. Mice aren’t a “wait and see” type of problem. Call ATCO Pest Control and let us help you protect your home with proven pest control services in the Bay Area.

We serve pest control Richmond, pest control Union City, and all across the Bay Area!

We live here, too. And we know how to get rid of mice—for good.