A rodent problem is more than an inconvenience—it’s a threat to your health, property, and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with mice, rats, or both, it’s critical to act fast and smart. If you’ve searched “How to get rid of mice”, you’re in the right place. At ALPHAPEST, we’ve spent over 20 years tackling rats and mice across Auckland. In this guide, we break down the most effective tools and strategies to get rid of rats, control house mice, and prevent future infestations in both homes and businesses.
Why Mice Are a Serious Problem
House mice may look small and harmless, but they can cause big trouble:
- Rodents chew through food packaging, plumbing and electrical wiring, potentially causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home or business..
- Their droppings and urine spread disease—mice, like rats, can carry Salmonella, Leptospirosis and even Parvovirus, which can be deadly to young dogs.
- Rodents contaminate food sources, especially in kitchens, chicken coops, and pantries.
- Mice reproduce rapidly. A single female rat or mouse can lead to dozens of rodents in just a few months.
- They often invade when temperatures drop, seeking warmth in your roof spaces, garages and even behind your fridge or dishwasher where it’s nice and warm.
Mice and other rodents are among New Zealand’s most common pests, so early detection is vital.
Understanding Rodent Behaviour
To control rodents, you need to think like one:
- Mice and rats are excellent climbers and jumpers, able to scale vertical surfaces to reach attics and cupboards. An adult roof rat can jump up to 1.5m horizontally!
- They are nocturnal and prefer quiet hiding places like wall voids, behind appliances, and inside insulation, which is why you’ll often hear the scratching noises at night.
- A rodent’s rib cage can compress to squeeze through holes as small as your thumb for a rat or your little finger for a mouse.
- Food sources like pet food, food scraps, open rubbish bins and fallen fruit from fruit trees attract rodents fast.
- Nesting materials include rubbish bin liners, insulation, and even shredded paper.
Understanding their habits helps with the strategic placement of rodent traps and bait stations.
Best Rodent Traps for NZ Homes
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective rodent traps available at most hardware stores:
- Snap traps: Classic, effective, and affordable. Use snap bar traps with sensitive triggers.
- Live traps: Good for humane capture, but require relocation far from your property.
- Self-resetting traps: Excellent for outdoor areas or large infestations—automatically reset after each catch.
- Electric traps: Deliver a lethal shock, but are more expensive.
- Glue boards: Illegal due to humane concerns in NZ.
Use mouse traps in tandem with bait for best results. Place along walls and near suspected rodent activity.
How to Use Bait Stations and Lures Effectively
Bait stations are enclosed containers that hold bait blocks safely away from pets, birds, and native species. They are essential for secure rodent control.
Tips for success:
- Use fresh bait—rodents lose interest quickly in old food.
- Place in dark, undisturbed areas near entry points or along gnaw marks and droppings trails.
- Rotate baits to avoid bait aversion.
- Minimise human scent by wearing gloves when handling traps and bait.
- Avoid placing baits where pet food, compost bins, or food waste may provide easier meals.
Avoid secondary poisoning risks by securing bait stations and choosing targeted formulations.
Preventing Mice from Returning: Long-Term Tips
Once you’ve got rid of mice, the real challenge is keeping them away. Prevention is key:
- Seal entry points using steel wool, fine wire mesh, or silicone around vents, pipes, and wall cracks.
- Store food in tightly sealed containers and clean up food scraps and pet food immediately.
- Trim long grass, clear fallen fruit, and move compost far from buildings.
- Regularly inspect roof spaces and underfloor areas for rodent activity.
- Secure outdoor rubbish and keep chicken coops and animal feed tightly closed.
- Limit easy access by trimming tree branches and avoiding overgrown vegetation near the home.
Remember: prevention is the most cost-effective form of rodent control.
How to Dispose of Dead Mice Safely
Handling dead rodents requires care:
- Always wear gloves when touching a dead rodent or cleaning droppings.
- Use a shovel or a bag to pick up the rodent.
- Double-bag and place in an outdoor bin for council collection.
- Disinfect the area using bleach or commercial cleaner.
- Ventilate affected areas and never vacuum droppings (it spreads contaminants).
- Don’t leave injured rodents or carcasses around—they attract other animals like insects or scavengers.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, ALPHAPEST can safely remove dead rodents as part of our service.
Controlling Other Rodents: Not Just Mice
Not all rodents are the same. Here’s a quick guide:
- Norway rat (aka common rat or brown rat) is large, ground-dwelling, and often found near sewer systems.
- Roof rats (or ship rats) are agile and favour high nesting spots—roof spaces, trees, or ceilings.
- Both rat species cause serious structural damage and are known to invade in winter.
Mice and rats behave differently, so what works for one may not work for the other. ALPHAPEST tailors treatment for specific rat species or house mouse problems.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
Call ALPHAPEST when:
- DIY methods aren’t working
- You find rat droppings or multiple nests
- There’s damage to wires, insulation, or walls
- The smell of urine or decay is strong
- You suspect rodents in roof spaces or hard-to-access areas
Our expert team provides safe, discreet, and affordable rodent control services throughout Auckland, from Albany to Manurewa, including West Coast beaches like Piha and Huia.
Don’t let a mouse infestation grow out of control. Contact ALPHAPEST today for fast, reliable help with rats and mice in your home or business.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Property Mouse-Free
Getting rid of mice takes more than traps and bait—it requires understanding their habits, sealing access, and eliminating food sources. With the right strategy and expert support from ALPHAPEST, you can stay ahead of the rodents and protect your property long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get rid of mice in NZ homes?
The most effective method includes a mix of snap traps, bait stations, and closing entry points. For persistent issues, professional help from ALPHAPEST is recommended.
Can mice live in roof spaces and walls?
Yes. Mice and roof rats love roof spaces, wall voids, and attics, especially in winter. They’re great climbers and squeeze through tiny openings.
Are bait stations safe for pets?
When used correctly, yes. Bait stations enclose toxic bait blocks, protecting pets, birds, and native species from secondary poisoning.
How do I know if it’s a mouse or a rat?
Mouse droppings are small and pointed, while rat droppings are larger and sausage-shaped. You may also notice size differences, gnaw marks, or rodent traps triggered.
Do rodents come back after being removed?
They can if the rodent’s food sources and entry points aren’t addressed. ALPHAPEST provides long-term solutions to stop reinfestation.
Can pets like a cat or a pet snake control rodents?
While some pets may catch rodents, they aren’t a reliable rodent control method. Traps and professionals are safer and more effective.