Mice, squirrels, bats, and raccoons would prefer to live in a house where it’s warm and safe, just like you. When these critters show up in your home without an invitation, you need to evict them right away.

Catch a mouse as soon as you see or suspect one. Place two snap-traps side by side, because a mouse can’t jump over more than one trap at a time. You can reuse a mousetrap, too. If you prefer, use a bait station and poison block. Be aware that when a mouse dies from poisoning, it crawls off and dies somewhere in your house, leaving a nasty odor for a few days afterward.

If you can be sure there are no squirrels in the attic, block off all openings so they cannot come back. If the squirrel is in the attic, use a live trap with bait (peanut butter on a cracker works well). Wear heavy gloves when you release the squirrel.

Let a pest control worker remove a raccoon from your home (they often set up camp in the chimney.) Raccoons are smart and dangerous. As for bats, just open the window, close the door, and let them fly out. Bats want to get out of your house as much as you want them to.

Here are some tips to keep pests out of your house:

  • Trim all branches eight to 10 feet from the house so animals cannot jump from a tree to the roof.
  • Install a chimney cap and secure it tightly to keep raccoons from setting up residency.
  • Fix damaged screens in roof, soffit, and gable vents.
  • Keep bird feeders 15 feet from the house; store birdseed and pet food in sealed containers.
  • Keep the woodpile away from the house; mice can start families in it and then decide to move into your house.
  • Seal around dryer vents and other gaps in the foundation and siding.
Mouse with snap trap
Michael Blann/Getty Images
Snap-traps are just one of many ways to deal with a mouse problem.