How to Get Rid of Mice in Walls

The scratching starts the moment you turn off the lights. It’s faint at first, then becomes a frantic scuttle inside your bedroom wall.

If you’re hearing noises in your walls, you aren’t alone—but you do need to act fast. Mice in walls are more than just a nuisance; they can chew through electrical wiring, destroy insulation, and spread diseases throughout your home.

So, how do you get them out? At H2 Pest Control, we’ve handled many infestations across Utah. Here is the straight-to-the-point guide on how to reclaim your home.

Step 1: Confirm They Are Actually Mice

Before you start, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Listen for:

• Scratching and Scurrying: Usually loudest at night (mice are nocturnal).
• Gnawing: A repetitive grinding sound as they chew on wood or wires.
• Squeaking: High-pitched vocalizations, often heard if there is a nest.

If you’re wondering how they got up there in the first place, check out our guide on how mice climb walls.

Step 2: Locate the Entry Points

Mice don’t live in your walls forever; they have to come out for food and water. To get them out, you must find where they are entering and exiting. Look for:

• Gaps around utility pipes (under sinks or behind the stove).
• Cracks in the foundation or siding.
• Small holes in the drywall or baseboards.

Remember, a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime!

Step 3: Use Strategic Trapping

Don’t bother putting traps in the middle of a room. Mice are “thigmotactic,” meaning they prefer to keep their whiskers against a surface.

• Placement: Set snap traps or electronic traps along the baseboards where you’ve heard activity.
• Bait: Use high-protein baits like peanut butter or chocolate.
• The “Wall” Trick: Place the trigger end of the trap flush against the wall so the mouse runs directly into it.

Step 4: The “Drill and Trap” Method (For Professionals)

If the mice refuse to come out, professionals sometimes use a “bait box” method. This involves drilling a small hole in the drywall just above the floor and placing a baited trap box against it. As the mouse smells the food, it exits the wall directly into the trap.

Warning: We don’t recommend DIYers use poison inside walls. If a mouse dies deep inside your wall cavity, the smell can be unbearable for weeks.

Step 5: Seal the Perimeter (Exclusion)

Once you’ve trapped the mice, you must ensure their friends can’t follow.

• Use steel wool and caulk for small gaps.
• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Keep your yard clear of debris that offers hiding spots.

For more prevention tips, read our article on how long mice live and what keeps them coming back.

When to Call the Pros

Getting mice out of walls is a game of hide-and-seek where the stakes are your home’s safety. If you’ve tried traps and still hear scratching, or if you suspect a larger infestation, it’s time for professional intervention.

At H2 Pest Control, we specialize in mice control. Our team doesn’t just catch the mice; we identify the root cause, seal the entry points, and provide long-lasting protection so you can finally sleep in peace.

Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact H2 Pest Control today for a free inspection!