How To Use Pest Control Products Safely Around Kids and Pets

How To Use Pest Control Products Safely Around Kids and Pets

Controlling the rodent population has been a concern since the 14th century. It was during this time the deadly rodent-borne disease known as bubonic plague (Black Death) killed millions of people across Europe and Asia. While modern cases of bubonic plague are relatively rare, it is important to remember rats and mice can transmit other diseases that could pose a health risk to you, your family, and your pets. The list includes ominous-sounding afflictions such as Wells syndrome, Lassa fever, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, rat-bite fever, hantavirus, typhoid, and pneumonic plague, to name a few.

Depending on the affliction, symptoms can range from rashes, headaches, and nausea to severe respiratory distress and renal failure—even death in some instances. It is essential to know how to handle these pests while keeping your kids and pets safe.

The telltale signs of a mouse problem

Do you suspect that you have a mouse infestation in your home? Look for telltale signs such as gnaw marks on food packaging, paw prints in dusty corners of your home, small, black granular-shaped droppings, or a musky odor. You may even hear them scurrying around behind your walls or catch an occasional glimpse of a rodent scampering across your floor.

Mice have an uncanny knack for squeezing through the tiniest of holes (as small as the size of a dime), which makes it easy for them to enter your home. They are also prolific breeders, which means there are probably more mice hiding out nearby if you see signs of one.

How to mouse-proof your home

The best way to control mice is to take steps to prevent them from getting inside your home. Take some time to walk the perimeter of your home to detect any cracks, holes, or crevices. Seal any openings that could provide easy entry for mice. Proper sanitation is key for creating an indoor environment that is less inviting to rodents.

Keep your kitchen counters clean and sweep up crumbs and spilled food. Keep open food packages, including pet food packages, in tightly sealed metal containers. Don’t let trash accumulate inside your home—store as much of it as possible in covered metal trash cans outside until it’s time for your scheduled trash collection. As the temperatures start to drop, mice will try to find a nice warm place, make sure to check out our 6 ways to rodent proof your house this winter.

Should you use poisons or snap traps to keep mice away?

When it comes to getting rid of mice, using poisons or snap traps might seem like a quick fix. However, it's important to consider the safety of your household, especially if you have children or pets. Rodenticides and traditional snap traps are not generally considered safe around children and pets. Mouse poison can be harmful if ingested accidentally by a child or animal, while traditional snap traps can potentially injure curious fingers, paws, or snouts.

Natural ways to get rid of mice in your home

Some homeowners turn to homemade solutions as an all-natural alternative to poisons and traps. These concoctions typically use combinations of pungent substances such as castor oil, Tabasco sauce, garlic cloves, and more. While these remedies provide an all-natural alternative, they can be time-consuming to prepare and may not be effective.

Does peppermint oil get rid of mice?

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Many homeowners have experienced success when using peppermint oil to keep mice away. Mice are deterred by the strong smell and will avoid any areas where the odor is present. Plus, peppermint oil is natural and humane, making it a great pest control option for homes with children and pets.

Applying straight peppermint oil or other homemade remedies around your house can get messy. Instead, try Victor® Scent-Away™ Natural Rodent Repeller Packs. The repellent is contained in a small mesh pack so there’s no mess involved. Just place the packs in areas where you’ve noticed signs of rodent activity. Scent-Away™ can be used in confined spaces, such as closets, cupboards, sheds, vehicles and more, where other rodent repellents may not be as practical.

How to get rid of mice with kids in the house

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If you’re a parent who needs to know how to get rid of mice when you have a baby or small child in the house, you’ll want to choose a solution that won’t harm young children. Children are curious by nature, so many traditional mouse control methods can pose a risk if a child attempts to handle or play with them. The Victor® Safe-Set™ Mouse Trap deviates from traditional snap traps by incorporating a safety mechanism that prevents accidental triggers to keep your family as safe as possible. While mice can easily enter the hole in the bait hood and trigger the kill bar, curious children will not be able to set off the trap accidentally thanks to the Safe-Set™ feature. In addition to our safe mouse traps, we also have a Safe-Set™ option for rats as well. Once the traps have gotten the infestation under control, deploy ultrasonic repellers or scent repellents to keep them from coming back.

How to get rid of mice when you have pets

The safety of our furry friends is also an important consideration when dealing with a mouse infestation. A great option for households with pets is the Victor® Safe-Set™ Mouse Trap. While this is a snap trap, it has been specially designed to prevent accidental triggers so it’s safe to use around children and pets when used as directed. Mice are able to enter the hole in the bait hood to grab the bait and trigger the kill bar, however, curious paws and snouts will not be able to set off the trap accidentally because of the Safe-Set™ feature. There is a Safe-Set™ trap option for rats as well, so you can safely control an infestation no matter what type of pest you have. Once you’ve regained control and there are no longer pests scurrying around your home, implement repellents prevent them from returning.

How to catch a mouse without killing it

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If the thought of having dead mice in your home makes you uneasy, there are options available that allow you to catch them without harming them. Live traps are a great alternative if you're opposed to killing animals, even rodents. Plus, you won't have to worry about your kids or pets being exposed to a dead mouse caught in a trap.

The Victor® Catch & Hold™ Mouse Trap is a great example of this type of trap. It captures and holds the rodent in place but does not kill it. Simply set the trap with bait and check it regularly. Once you've caught a mouse, you can easily release it into a wooded area away from your home without ever coming in contact with the rodent.

How to safely prevent mice from coming back

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Once you’ve used traps to get your infestation under control, implement repellents to prevent mice and other rodents from returning. In addition to scent repellents that deter rodents, Victor® also offers ultrasonic repellers. These devices humanely drive away rodents by emitting a high frequency sound that is unpleasant to them. Varying frequencies are used to prevent rodents from getting used to the noise and to keep them from coming back. While the high-frequency noise is loud to rodents, it is safe for use around people and non-rodent pets when used as directed.

Tips for increasing your trapping success

The proper use of mouse traps can significantly increase your catch rate. Here are a few tips that can enhance your trapping success:

Place multiple traps around your home—If you see one mouse, there are sure to be more lurking nearby. By placing several traps instead of just one, you’ll stand a better chance of ending your rodent problem once and for all.

Consider the location—You’ll catch more mice by placing traps in areas where you have noticed signs of rodent activity. Mice are creatures of habit that tend to take the same pathways to and from their hiding places.

Use the right bait—Bait is essential for luring rodents into the traps. Mice are attracted to high-protein food such as peanut butter, chocolate, seeds, and oatmeal. Rodents are also attracted to nesting materials such as cotton, dental floss, and string. Follow your trap’s instructions regarding proper bait placement.

Know when to stop trapping—A common trapping mistake is ending the trapping process too soon. Just because you’ve caught a couple of mice, doesn’t mean you have totally eradicated your rodent problem. Keep your traps in place until you no longer see mouse droppings or the other telltale signs of rodent activity.

Keep pets away from the traps—Unfamiliar objects like traps can arouse an animal’s curiosity. To avoid temptation, place the trap inside a closed or covered cardboard box and cut a small opening at either end to allow the mouse plenty of room to enter.

Safely take care of rodents with Victor®!

  1. Victor® Power-Kill® Rat Trap 3-Pack
    Victor® Safe-Set™ Rat Trap
    $8.49
  2. Victor® Safe-Set™ Mouse Trap, single trap
    Victor® Safe Set™ Mouse Trap
    $6.49
  3. Victor® Safe-Set™ Mouse Trap
    Victor® Safe-Set™ Mouse Trap
    As low as $6.49 Regular Price $6.49
  4. Victor® PestChaser® Rodent Repellent With Nightlight & Extra Outlet
    Victor® PestChaser® Rodent Repeller with Nightlight & Extra Outlet
    As low as $15.99 Regular Price $15.99
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