Getting rid of mice completely can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the severity of the infestation. Here are some general guidelines for how long it takes to get rid of mice using different methods:
With Traps
Using snap traps or live traps, you can start seeing results in 1-2 weeks. Traps allow you to catch mice one by one. For a minor mouse problem, you may be able to eliminate them within 2-3 weeks. For a more severe infestation, trapping all the mice could take 4-8 weeks.
With Poison Bait
Poison bait often starts working within 1 week. The poison takes time to spread through the mouse population as mice eat the bait, die, and other mice feed on their remains. For a minor infestation, poison bait can often get rid of mice within 2-3 weeks. For a heavier infestation, it may take 4-6 weeks to fully resolve the issue.
With Natural Repellents
Natural mouse repellents like peppermint oil, garlic, and ultrasonic devices can take 2-4 weeks to drive mice away. The effectiveness of natural repellents varies greatly. They may deter mice initially but not fully eliminate the population. For heavy mouse infestations, natural repellents alone often don’t get rid of mice completely.
With Exclusion
Blocking off all possible entry points to prevent mice from getting in takes 1-2 weeks. This involves sealing up cracks and holes inside and outside the home so mice have no way to enter. For ongoing exclusion and prevention, inspecting for and sealing new entry points should be done periodically.
With a Cat
Getting a cat can start scaring mice away within 1-2 days. The scent and presence of a cat deters mice. However, it can take 2-4 weeks for a cat to hunt down and kill an existing mouse population. A cat on its own may not eliminate all the mice, but works well alongside other methods.
With Professional Extermination
Hiring a professional exterminator often gets rid of mice within 1-2 weeks. The combination of fast-acting poisons, traps, and exclusion by experts gives the fastest results. In severe cases with extensive nests and infestation, complete mouse removal may take 2-4 weeks.
Factors That Increase Timeframe
Here are some things that can make getting rid of mice take longer:
- Large established populations – More mice means eradication takes longer.
- Ongoing food sources – Available food allows mice to persist and breed.
- Surviving mice breeding – Remaining mice reproduce and increase the population.
- Interior nesting spots – Nesting and living inside walls makes mice harder to catch.
- Lack of exclusion – Mice keep entering if entry points aren’t sealed.
- Improper trapping – Not using enough traps or optimal trap placement.
- Time of year – Mouse populations spike in fall as they seek shelter indoors.
Tips for Faster Mouse Removal
You can speed up the time it takes to get rid of mice by:
- Using multiple control methods – Traps, poison, and exclusion together work faster than one method alone.
- Setting out more traps – The more traps, the faster you can catch mice.
- Sealing entry points – Blocking off all holes and cracks denies mice access.
- Removing food sources – Eliminating all food and water makes your home inhospitable.
- Setting traps near nests – Targeting high mouse activity areas increases catches.
- Working with a professional – Experts know the best strategies for fast elimination.
- Acting at first signs – Addressing mice quickly before they multiply saves time.
Conclusion
Getting rid of an existing mouse infestation can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Minor mouse problems can often be resolved in 2-4 weeks. More severe, established infestations can take 4-8 weeks to fully eliminate using traps, poison, repellents, exclusion, and other methods. Acting fast at the first signs of mice, sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using multiple control methods together will get rid of mice in the shortest time.