Planning to move to an Attic apt. on 3rd floor and the house has a garden. May there be mice in the apt?

Question

Our previous apartment was on first floor and it had a garden. We found a mouse in the kitchen. My wife is scared of mice. The apartment we plan to move is in the same neighborhood (10 street). Do you think it (same neighborhood) is related that with the issue?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there's always a chance that there will be mice. The neighborhood has very little to do with whether or not there are mice. The main determining factors are:

1 - How old is the house? Older houses have more ways for mice to get in.

2 - Are there any predators? Cats, some small dogs, and large birds are wonderful deterrents to mice.

3 - Is there a good food source for the mice like the garden? Can they get into the garbage cans? Do people leave food lying around outside (a dropped potato chip, crusts of bread, etc.)? Is there cat or dog food outside that they can get into?

4 - Do you live where it gets cold in the winter? Mice need to seek shelter when it gets cold, and they will find a way to get into houses if you live in the north.

5 - Is there somewhere outside where they may be comfortable living - an abandoned car or appliance, a brush pile, a barn?

The best way, in my opinion, to get rid of mice is to either get a cat that's a good mouser or use poison. You can use traps, but it only gets one mouse at a time, and, unless you just have a few stray mice around, I don't think it's very effective.

Answer 2

There could be mice in any neighborhood of any town. You could find lmice in the basement, the first floor, the second floor, etc. or the attic. Look around for mice "droppings" for a clue. Then you would need to close off holes where they might be getting in. Do not leave food out (pet food, etc.)

Answer 3

Could still have mice in it. You should talk to the landlord about the issue and see if he'd get the Orkin man or whatever pest control you have in your area to get rid of them.

Answer 4

There is no way to guarantee no mice - or bugs in any house or apartment. That is why extermination companies stay in business.