Getting rid of mice in the home is incredibly important, and while there are plenty of methods, some of the most effective tend to be poison.
The best mouse poison is going to be quick, effective, and safe to use in homes with people and pets. If you’re not sure where to go to find the best mouse poison for your home and lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place.
Join us today as we discuss the best mouse poison options and other ways you can go about rodent control in and around your home.
Contents
How To Identify A Mouse Infestation
Look for signs of mouse activity including droppings and gnawed furniture.
Before you begin looking for the best mouse poison, let’s first make sure you do indeed have a mouse infestation. There are several types of rodents who can invade homes, and many require unique methods for removal.
A Few Common Signs Of Mice Include:
- Mouse droppings that are small (about half the size of a grain of rice)
- A foul, musky odor or smell of urine
- Gnawed cupboards, plastics, furniture, appliances, and cereal boxes
- Mouse nests including shredded materials and/or fibers hidden in the back of cupboards, behind walls, in basements, attics, crawlspaces, or even under furniture
- Physically seeing a mouse
This video below shows other signs you can look for when trying to identify a mouse infestation.
Why Do I Have A Mouse Infestation?
Mouse infestations often begin outside where conditions are ideal and food is plentiful.
Mice infiltrate homes for a number of reasons. During warmer months, mice and most other rodents are content living outdoors. However, as the weather turns cool and food becomes less readily available, mice can quickly find their way indoors.
You are more likely to have mice in your home or yard if your property is cluttered. Mice are also attracted to food sources like vegetables from veggie gardens, fruit from fruit trees, unsealed garbage bins, improperly stored food, exposed pet food, bird seed, dead insects and certain plants.
Outdoors, mice build their nests beneath shrubbery, underbrush, and lawn debris. Inside, they build nests in cupboards, behind walls, in attics, basements, crawlspaces, beneath undisturbed furniture, or in clutter or debris.
Mice can sneak through openings as small as dime. Adolescent mice can fit through even smaller spaces, so it’s important to make sure your home is properly sealed and protected. Mice can also climb, and are more likely to get into your home if there is dense underbrush, shrubbery, or debris within a few feet of your property.
Once mice get into your home, they can quickly reproduce and cause hundreds of dollars in food waste, not to mention structural damage and health issues for you and those you love.
With that in mind, let’s talk about how to get rid of mice using the best mouse poison options available.
Types Of Different Mouse Poison Options
Rodenticides come in many different forms. These mouse poisons are pellet forms.
Even the best mouse poison can come with some risks, especially if you have children or pets in the home. Luckily, there are different options you can pick from, and technology has advanced enough to create easier options for those looking for safer rodent control methods.
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of mouse poisons available.
Family-Safe Mouse Poisons
Family safe mouse poisons come in different options, with some being natural and others coming in tamper-proof containers. Still, if you purchase toxic mouse poison and place it in kid-proof, pet-proof bait containers, we still suggest you place these poisons in areas out of reach.
Home-Made Mouse Poisons
There are some do it yourself pest control options you can consider when it comes to the best mouse poison. Further down will discuss types of homemade remedies you can use that not only work as mouse poison, but also work as repellents.
Chemical Mouse Poisons
Chemical mouse poisons are the most common and popular when considering best mouse poison for mouse invasions. These poisons often come in granular forms but may be available in baits or powders.
When using chemical mouse poisons, be sure to read the directions and use them only as directed to ensure curious children or pets are safe.
Pros And Cons Of Using Mouse Poison In and Around Your Home
Using mouse poison can result in dead mice in your walls.
As with any pest control product, there are pros and cons to even the best mouse poison products on the market. Before deciding if using mouse poison is right for your rodent control needs, we suggest considering the below:
Pros Of Using Mouse Poison
- Mouse poisons allow for the quick and effective eradication of mice in the home
- They are easy to use and simple to place
- The best mouse poison products are simple to find and relatively affordable
- Many products come in child-proof and tamper-proof containers
- You can use mouse poison both inside and outside of your home to control rodents
Cons of Using Mouse Poison
- Many mouse poisons are dangerous and toxic to people and pets
- Mouse poison can lead to dead mice in the walls or vents, which can create odor and other pest issues
- Some consider mouse poison to be cruel as many poisons slowly kill rodents
- Mouse poisons may not eradicate an entire nest
- Some mouse poisons require many applications in order to work effectively
- Using mouse poison outside can put other beneficial animals at risk
Best Mouse Poison Options Available
The best mouse poison will depend on your needs.
The best mouse poison for you will depend on your unique needs and the severity of your mouse issue. When considering how to choose the best mouse poison for your home, it’s best to consider your goals and lifestyle.
Do you have children in the home? Pets? Do you have squirrels, chipmunks, or other rodents outside the home that you wish to protect and keep safe from mouse poison?
These are all questions that should be taken into consideration in order to pick the right mouse poison for your unique needs.
If you’re not sure where to begin looking for the best mouse poison for you, don’t worry. We have listed a few different products and brands below to get you started. Take a look.
D-Con Corner Fit Mouse Poison and Bait Station
No products found.
First on our list of best mouse poison options is a poison and bait station combo by D-Con. This product is ideal to use in homes with people and pets because the poison itself includes 99% food-grade ingredients.
It also comes in a tamper-resistant bait station that is made to use indoors and out. The station is weather resistant, and only allows for small mice to enter and exit. Each order includes 18 poison baits and the stations are also refillable.
HARRIS Rat and Mouse Killer Bait Bars
No products found.
HARRIS is a popular pest control company that many people trust, and we do like their bait bars as an option for best mouse poison. Each order includes 64 bait bars and they are ideal for killing and controlling both mice and rats in the home.
The bars can be used indoors and out as they are mold and moisture resistant. You can use them in pre-bought bait stations or place them as is.
However, be cautious of using this mouse poison in homes with children and pets without purchasing tamper-proof bait stations, as these poison bars are toxic to people and pets.
Motomoco Tomcat Mouse and Rat Poison Pack
No products found.
Next on our list of best mouse poison is made by another trusted brand, Tomcat. This is an ideal order for larger homes or properties dealing with a larger infestation of mice or rats. The order comes in a 5 pound pail and includes poison granules guaranteed to kill rodents within a week.
These granules can be sprinkled around gardens or used inside the home behind cabinets or cupboards. While this is some of the best mouse poison due to its effectiveness, we suggest investing in quality, tamper-proof bait stations before use, especially if you have pets or children in the home.
EcoClear All Natural MouseX Mouse Poison
No products found.
The best mouse poison for homes with children and pets will be natural mouse poison products that are non-toxic. The above mouse poison by EcoClear is made with 100% natural ingredients that are non toxic and safe for people, pets and other animals.
This product is also safe for wildlife including birds and beneficial critters. However, this poison will not harm voles, moles or gophers, so if you are looking for a product to control those rodents as well, this is not the best mouse poison for you.
To use this product, simply sprinkle it anywhere you have noticed mouse activity and wait. You can also place this product in bait stations for extra precautionary measures.
Just One Bite Mouse Poison Bar
No products found.
We have included Just One Bite mouse poison on our list of best mouse poison because it works so quickly. This product kills mice and other rodents with just one bite, as the name suggests. The product order includes eight bars, each of which can attract multiple rodents at a time.
The bars are large, however, and weigh one pound. These bars also delay the death of the rodents, so this is ideal for outdoor use. Otherwise, you may wind up with dead mice inside your walls, which could lead to a dead mouse smell you can’t get rid of for several weeks.
When using this product, keep it out of reach of children and do not use it in small spaces like apartments.
Neogen Havoc Rodenticide
No products found.
Another best mouse poison product ideal for larger spaces and properties is Neogen Havoc Rodenticide. This order comes in an 8 pound pail and includes pellet poisons that are designed to be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home.
This is ideal for outdoor use and can help eradicate mice and common rats. You can also order this mouse poison in different variations, including pellets, bars or blocks. When using this product in areas where pets and people frequent, we suggest also investing in quality, tamper-proof bait stations.
Alternatives To Using The Best Mouse Poison
Alternatives to poison include mouse traps and repellents.
If you’ve decided that even the best mouse poison products are not right for you, don’t worry. There are alternatives to using poisons around the home. Some of the best options for mouse control include ultrasonic pest repellers, snap traps, live traps and deterrents.
Take a look at some other options you have for preventing and removing mice in your home below.
Victor Mouse-A-Way Mouse Repellent
No products found.
If you would prefer to forgo the best mouse poison and focus on mouse repellents instead, you might consider trying Mouse-A-Way. This is a safe, natural product that repels rodents without the use of toxic poisons or chemicals.
It is also 100% biodegradable and safe to use around people and pets. You can order the repellent pellets in packs of one or six, and each bag covers up to 100 feet. The formula is non-toxic and safely made with natural ingredients including essential oils.
Natural Armor Rodent Repellent Spray
No products found.
You can use the above repellent spray in conjunction with the best mouse poison to keep mice and other rodents at bay. The above repellent is all natural and safe, and works effectively for pests like mice, rats, racoons, skunks, deer, possums, and more.
It uses a peppermint solution to safely and effectively repel pests without harming people, pets or the environment. The spray comes in a large gallon bottle and includes a spray nozzle for easy application.
It is designed to be used outdoors and is safe to use on garden plants like flowers, but can also be sprayed directly on the lawn.
CaptSure Original Mouse Trap
No products found.
The above mouse trap can also be used in conjunction with the best mouse poison as you can use it as a bait station. This will ensure the mouse does not die in your walls or behind appliances. Or, you also have the option of using this trap as a catch and release trap.
If you do opt to release the living rodents once you’ve caught them, make sure to do so at least five miles away from your home so the pests cannot find their way back.
Authenzo Mouse Trap
No products found.
If you’re looking for a traditional way to forgo using the best mouse poison, why not just go with a traditional mouse trap? These snap traps put a modern twist on the snap traps of old, and each order includes six traps that are people and pet safe.
To use the traps, simply bait and set them, then wait. Be sure to check the traps often to ensure you are not leaving dead mice to decompose. Doing so could lead to a dead mouse odor and attract other pests like flies and ants.
Home Remedies – DIY Mouse Poison Options
The fumes from crushed black pepper can repel and kill mice.
When it comes to using the best mouse poison to kill mice in your home, you don’t have to rely solely on products at the store or online. In fact, many household ingredients and kitchen staples will do the trick quickly and just as effectively!
Best of all, many of these do it yourself mouse poison options are safer for children and pets. Let’s take a look at a few recipes you can make right at home to control rodents.
Boric Acid and Chicken Broth
Boric acid powder is a household staple used not only for pest control, but also for cleaning. Simply mix a bit of boric acid with chicken broth and place it in areas where you have noticed rodent activity.
The mice will ingest the poisoned broth, which will then expand in their stomachs and kill them.
Sugar, Baking Soda and Water
Like boric acid, baking soda expands. When mixed with sugar and water, it is attractive to mice. They will ingest the poison and later die due to the baking soda. Again, place this mixture in areas you have noticed rodent activity including behind the cupboards, beneath appliances, in basements, attics, crawl spaces, etc.
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are some of the easiest and least expensive products you can use to control mice and other rodents. All you need to do is pour a packet of instant potatoes in a small bowl and leave this bowl around where you suspect mice.
The smell alone of the instant potatoes will attract the rodents and encourage them to eat. Once they eat the potatoes and take a drink, the flakes will expand in their gut and kill them.
Vitamin D or Zinc and Peanut Butter
Both vitamin D and Zinc are toxic to mice and rodents, making them some of the best mouse poison options you can use at home. Simply crush these vitamins and roll the bits in peanut butter for bait, then leave this bait in areas you suspect mice activity.
However, we do not suggest you use this method if you have dogs or children in the home. Zinc especially is toxic to pets and can be harmful to children, so be very careful.
Black Pepper
The smell of black pepper is a strong repellent to mice and other rodents. In large doses, the fumes can even kill these pests. Sprinkle a generous amount of black pepper in areas you suspect rodents and wait.
Essential Oils
Essential oils may not be the best mouse poison, but they can work to repel mice and other pests like roaches, bed bugs, mosquitoes and spiders. You can soak cotton balls in the below essential oils and place them in areas where mice have been to help repel them.
The best essential oils for pest control include:
- Peppermint Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Citrus Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
- And Rosemary Oil
If Mouse Poison Doesn’t Work – When To Call A Professional
Sometimes do it yourself pest control methods don’t work, and other times they can have adverse effects. For example, if you do use mouse poison and wind up with dead rodents in the walls, it may be a good idea to contact a professional.
You might also need professional assistance if you cannot seem to control the rodents in and around your home no matter what you do. This could be a sign of a bigger issue in your home that requires help.
On average, pest control experts charge between $100 and $500 for pest removal, but this price could vary depending on your location and the severity of your rodent issue. However, hiring a professional could save you money in the long run, and these professionals may also be able to help you find the source of your infestation.
Once the pests are gone, we suggest you focus next on preventative measures for the future.
Tips On Preventing A Future Mouse Infestation In and Around Your Home
Keeping your yard landscaped and free of clutter can reduce mouse infestations in the future.
Pests like mice are a common problem, but you can help protect your home and loved ones from these annoying (and sometimes dangerous) rodents by following the below tips and tricks.
Keep Up With Routine Home Maintenance
You can reinforce your home and keep mice out by simply keeping up with routine home maintenance. Give your home routine once-overs and caulk and seal any cracks, crevices, or openings that are large enough for mice to sneak through.
Remember, adult mice can find their way into your home through openings as small as a dime, and adolescent mice can squeeze through cracks and crevices that are even tighter.
Store Food In Airtight Containers
Keep perishable foods in the refrigerator when they are not in use and store pantry foods like cereals and grains in air tight containers made of thick plastic or glass. This will reduce the chances of food smells luring mice and other pests into the home. This can also help prevent food waste if mice do wind up in your home somehow.
Refrain From Leaving Dirty Dishes In The Sink Overnight
Just as leaving food out can lure mice and other pests, so can leaving dirty dishes in your sink overnight. Instead, fill the sink with soapy water and soak dishes beneath the surface. This will disguise the smell. Otherwise, it’s best to rinse dishes off and put them in the dishwasher or drying rack.
Remove Clutter and Debris From In And Around Your Home
Clutter and debris provide ideal hiding places and homes for pests like mice and rats. To reduce your chances of dealing with these pests in the future, try removing clutter and debris from around your home.
Landscape
Remember, mice like to nest in areas that are dense and thick with underbrush. Long grass, leaf litter, dead logs, and thick shrubs make ideal homes for these furry pests. To reduce your chances of a mouse problem inside your home, keep your yard landscaped and tidy. Trim shrubs and keep grass cut short. It’s also a good idea to keep any foliage at least three feet from your home’s siding.
Sweep, Vacuum and Clean Routinely
Try and maintain a routine cleaning regimen to reduce your chances of accidentally luring mice and other pests into your home. Sweep and vacuum regularly to pick up crumbs and debris, and use quality cleaning supplies to keep pests like mice, rats, gnats, roaches, and ants out of your home.
Plant Rodent Repellent Plants Around Your Home
Keeping rodents out of your home starts with protecting your home’s perimeter. You can start by using plants that repel pests. Some of the best pest repellent plants include:
- Peppermint
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Mint
- Marigolds
- Daffodil
- Catnip
- Allium
- Hyacinth
- And Grape Hyacinth
Before using a companion planting method to get rid of mice and other rodents around your home, make sure and do some research. Certain plants on the above list can be toxic to children and pets, so be careful.
Seal Garbage Bins and Store Garbage Properly
Sealing garbage bins is a very important step to reducing your chances of dealing with mice. Garbage can also attract other pests like raccoons, possums, fleas and gnats. To prevent this, invest in garbage bins that seal shut and store them properly until trash day.
Pick Up Fallen Fruits and Veggies From Outside Gardens and Trees
Pick up fallen fruits and veggies outside to keep pests like mice, rats, racoons, possums, and fleas away from your yard. We also suggest you try and harvest any fruits or veggies that look ripe as soon as possible.
Reinforce Your Home With A Year-Round Pest Control Product
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to try and reinforce your home with a quality pest control product year-round. Whether you use home remedies, sprays, traps or other means, doing so can help ensure you do not have to use mouse poison to control pests in the future.
We hope this has been a helpful guide on the best mouse poison options and how to use them. Now it’s your turn to share. What do you think about using the best mouse poison to eradicate a rodent infestation in and around your home?
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.