The Big Question is How do you get rid of mice 100 percent
To eliminate mice completely, you must identify all entry points, place traps or bait correctly and seal every structural gap that mice use to enter. Professional technicians carry out a full inspection, treat active mice and then proof your home so they cannot return. Without proofing, DIY methods will not achieve 100 percent long term success.
A complete guide for long term mouse removal in Kent homes
Mice are one of the most common household pests in Kent, and they can be one of the most difficult to eliminate fully if the correct steps are not followed. Many homeowners try traps, baits or sprays, only to find that activity returns within days or weeks. This leads to the belief that mice are impossible to eliminate completely. In reality, it is entirely possible to remove mice 100 percent, but only if three things are done correctly and in the right order. These are identification, treatment and proofing. When any one of these steps is done poorly, the infestation returns.
This guide is based on more than fifteen years of real pest control experience across Kent, including Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Medway, Thanet, Folkestone and surrounding areas. It explains exactly what is required to eliminate mice fully, why they return and how professional treatments ensure long term success. If you have recurring mouse activity in your home, this guide will show you how to break the cycle permanently.
Why mice return after traps and bait
The most common misunderstanding
Many homeowners believe that traps or baiting alone will remove mice completely. While these tools can reduce numbers, they do not address the underlying cause. Mice are entering from somewhere. If that entry point is left open, new mice will return even if the original population is eliminated.
This is why many people feel stuck in a loop. They catch a few mice, the house seems quiet, and then within a few weeks the activity starts again. The problem is not the traps. The problem is the open access point. Until that is found and sealed, full elimination is not possible.
Step one
Identify how mice are entering the property
The most important part of removing mice permanently is identifying where they are getting in. Mice can enter through gaps as small as six millimetres. They often squeeze through openings that are nearly invisible unless you know where to look.
Common mouse entry points in Kent homes include:
gaps around kitchen pipework holes behind appliances unsealed gaps around boilers and radiators damaged air bricks cracks in external walls gaps under doors loft access points roof defects or loose tiles gaps around waste pipes openings around electrical cables
Older homes in Kent, especially those with cavity walls, are far more vulnerable to mice because cavities provide a perfect travel route between rooms.
Why identification must come first If you treat before identifying entry points, the infestation will only reduce temporarily. Identification allows you to understand the full spread of activity and the areas mice are using most frequently.
Signs that help confirm entry points:
droppings gnaw marks rub marks along walls holes in plaster or skirting boards chewed insulation in lofts scratching noises
This stage lays the foundation for complete removal.
Step two
Use the correct treatment method for active mice
Once entry points and travel routes are identified, the next step is to treat the active population. There are three main treatment options: traps, bait and environmental adjustments. Each has strengths and specific use cases.
Traps Snap traps and professional grade traps are effective when placed correctly along run routes. Placement is more important than the trap itself.
Bait Rodenticide baits should only be used by trained professionals due to safety regulations and the risk to non target species. Baits must be placed in secure stations and monitored.
Environmental adjustments Removing access to food, sealing food containers, improving hygiene and reducing nesting materials all support the main treatment method.
Why DIY treatment often fails Most DIY failures come from one of the following issues:
traps placed in the wrong areas bait left uncovered or incorrectly positioned not using enough traps incorrect bait type ignoring loft or cavity activity only treating one room instead of the whole property
Professional technicians use their knowledge of mouse behaviour to place treatment exactly where mice travel.
Step three
Seal every entry point to prevent return
This is the single most important step for achieving 100 percent elimination. Proofing is the process of sealing gaps, holes and defects that mice are using to enter.
Common proofing materials include:
steel mesh cement sealant rodent proof mesh for air bricks brush strips on doors repairing damaged wall sections fixing damaged pipes or vents
If even one entry point is missed, mice can return.
Examples from real Kent homes In one Maidstone property, the entire infestation was traced to a small gap behind a dishwasher pipe. In a property in Canterbury, mice were entering through damaged mortar around an air brick. In Ashford, a loose roof tile allowed mice into the loft and down cavity walls. Proofing these areas stopped activity permanently.
Why proofing must be done after treatment Proofing too early can trap mice inside, leading to odours and increased indoor activity. Professionals treat first, then seal when activity has stopped.
Step four
Follow up inspections to confirm elimination
Even with correct identification, treatment and proofing, follow up checks are essential. These checks confirm that:
no new droppings appear no noises are heard no fresh gnaw marks are visible monitoring traps remain untouched entry points remain sealed
Follow up visits ensure that the infestation is fully resolved and that secondary issues do not develop.
How long does it take to eliminate mice completely
The time required depends on the size of the infestation and the number of entry points. Typical timeframes:
small infestations: one to two weeks moderate infestations: two to four weeks severe infestations: up to six weeks
Loft activity, large properties and multiple entry points may require additional visits.
Can you eliminate mice 100 percent with DIY
In most cases, no. DIY methods may temporarily reduce numbers but rarely achieve full elimination because:
entry points are missed traps are placed incorrectly treatments are too weak activity spreads into walls or lofts new mice continue entering behaviour is misunderstood
DIY can work for very small, newly appearing issues, but established infestations require a structured approach.
The professional approach to 100 percent mouse removal
When Innovation Pest Control treats mice in Kent homes, the process includes:
full inspection species identification mapping run routes and harbourage points treating active mice with traps or rodenticides proofing internal and external entry points advising on hygiene and long term prevention follow up visits to confirm complete removal
This combination ensures both the removal of mice and prevention of future activity.
Why you can trust this guidance
Experience from thousands of Kent properties
Innovation Pest Control technicians have more than fifteen years of hands on experience treating mice in homes and commercial buildings across Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Thanet, Medway and Folkestone. Our methods follow RSPH Level 2 training and CRRU compliant best practice for rodenticide use.
Extended FAQ
What is the fastest way to get rid of mice
Identify the entry point, place traps correctly and use professional proofing. This combination delivers the quickest results.
Can mice climb walls
Yes. Mice can climb rough surfaces, cavity walls and pipework easily.
Can mice get through tiny holes
Yes. Mice can squeeze through a gap as small as six millimetres.
Do ultrasonic devices work
No. They do not stop mice and do not replace proper treatment or proofing.
Why do I hear scratching at night
Mice are nocturnal and become more active when the home is quiet.
Why do mice keep returning
Entry points remain open. Proofing is the key to long term elimination.
Should I use poison myself
It is not recommended. Rodenticide misuse is dangerous to pets, wildlife and children. Professional use ensures safe and legal application.
Are mice dangerous
Yes. They contaminate food, chew wiring and spread bacteria.
How do professionals find entry points
By looking for droppings, rub marks, gnaw marks, cavity routes and structural defects.
How do I stop mice coming back
Seal every gap, store food correctly, maintain hygiene and arrange regular inspections if you live in an older property.
