How To Get Rid of Mice in an Apartment

You might not notice them at first. Just a little scratching behind the walls, a few tiny droppings here and there. However, when it comes to mice, small signs can turn into a big problem fast. If you’re wondering how to get rid of mice in an apartment and keep them from coming back, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what you need to know, from spotting early signs to sealing up entry points and taking back your space for good. Read below to learn more.

Main Takeaway

How to get rid of mice in an apartment:

• Identify and Block Entry Points: Mice sneak in through tiny gaps—seal cracks, doors, and vents to stop them from entering.
• Remove Food Sources & Set Traps: Store food properly, clean up crumbs, and use snap traps in strategic areas for effective removal.
• Notify Your Landlord Quickly: Report the issue in writing, document interactions, and understand lease terms to avoid liability.

First, What You Need to Know About Mice in Apartments

Before we dive into how to get rid of mice, it helps to understand a few important things about them, because you can’t address it properly if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. If you’ve ever worked with a Philadelphia property management company, you’ll know that keeping properties mouse-free is something we take seriously — and for good reason. A small mouse problem can turn into a much bigger issue if you don’t handle it early, so it’s important to stay a step ahead.

First, mice aren’t just a little annoying — they’re smart, fast, and can squeeze through tiny spaces you wouldn’t even believe. (We’re talking gaps as small as a pencil!) Once they find food, warmth, and shelter inside your apartment, they move in like they’re paying rent — and getting them out can take some real effort.

Also, it’s not always about how clean you are. Even the tidiest apartments can get mice. All it takes is a tiny opening and the scent of something tasty. So, if you’re seeing signs of mice — like droppings, chewed-up items, or hearing scratching sounds at night — don’t blame yourself. It happens more often than you think, especially in apartment buildings where one mouse can quickly become everyone’s problem.

Another thing is that mice are quick breeders. A pair of mice can turn into dozens within a few months if the problem isn’t handled early. That’s why it’s incredibly important to act fast — the sooner you deal with it, the easier it’ll be to kick them out for good.

Signs You Have Mice in Your Apartment

Before we talk about how to get rid of mice in an apartment, let’s make sure you actually have a mouse problem on your hands. Here are the most common signs to watch out for in your apartment.

Mouse Droppings

Tiny droppings are one of the biggest giveaways. They look like small black grains of rice, and you’ll usually find them along walls, inside cabinets, or under sinks. If you spot a few, chances are there are more around — and it’s a sure sign that mice have made themselves at home.

Your Pet’s Behavior

Sometimes, your pets notice mice before you do. If your dog or cat suddenly gets weirdly fixated on a certain spot, like under the stove or behind the fridge, they might be picking up on mouse activity you haven’t seen yet.

Debris on the Shelves (Especially in the Kitchen)

Mice love food, so your kitchen is usually their first stop. If you notice shredded paper, food crumbs, or little piles of nesting material tucked away in your cabinets or pantry, it’s a strong clue that mice have been busy.

A Strange, Foul Smell

If there’s a new, strange smell you can’t explain — kind of like ammonia — it could be from mouse urine and droppings. Even worse: the smell usually gets stronger the longer they stick around.

Scratching Sounds at Night

Mice are most active when everything’s quiet. If you hear light scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds behind your walls, ceiling, or under the floor late at night, you might have some uninvited roommates.

How To Get Rid of Mice in an Apartment – Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to get rid of mice in an apartment isn’t just about setting a few traps and hoping for the best. It’s about cutting off their survival needs — food, shelter, and entry points — so they have no reason to stick around. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Read Your Lease and Tell Your Landlord

Check your lease agreement to see what your responsibilities regarding pest control are. Some leases will require you to handle some infestations, while others put that on the landlord. Also, regardless of who’s typically responsible for pest control, if you caused the issue, you may need to handle and/or pay for it.

No matter what your lease says, you should always notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Keep records of any communications you had with them in case you need to follow up with them. And in the meantime, here are some DIY fixes you can make that won’t violate your lease:

Find Out How They’re Getting In

If they’re inside, it’s because there’s a gap, crack, or opening somewhere you need to find. Check around doors, windows, under sinks, behind appliances, and even along vents. In our experience managing apartments, we’ve seen that gaps as small as a dime can be an open invitation for mice. 

Seal Every Tiny Gap

Once you find where mice are sneaking in, block them out for good. With your landlord’s permission, use steel wool mixed with caulk or foam sealant (mice can chew through regular materials like plastic or cloth, but not steel wool). Also, pay extra attention to areas around plumbing pipes — they’re a favorite highway for mice.

Set Traps Strategically

Forget about just tossing a few traps around randomly. You want to place them where mice actually travel — like along walls, behind appliances, and near food sources. We usually recommend starting with snap traps because they’re quick and effective. Also, peanut butter is a classic bait that mice can’t resist. 

Cut Off Their Food Supply

If mice can’t find food, they’ll be forced to move on. Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs right away, and never leave pet food out overnight. Even a few leftover crumbs can be a feast for a mouse.

Keep Things Clean and Uncluttered

Mice love clutter because it gives them places to hide. Declutter areas like under the sink, closets, and storage rooms. A clean, open space makes it much harder for them to nest, and easier for you to spot any signs early.

FAQs About Getting Rid of Mice in Apartments

If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of mice in an apartment, you probably have a lot of questions — and we get it. Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead and keep your apartment mouse-free.

Q1. I spotted one mouse — should I still be worried?

Yes. If you see one mouse, there’s a good chance there are more you’re not seeing. Mice are sneaky, and they usually don’t live alone. 

Q2: Can one trap fix a mouse problem?

Usually not. Mice move fast and cover a lot of ground. Setting just one trap gives you very low odds of catching them all. It’s better to set several traps in different hotspots — like along walls, under sinks, and behind appliances — to really get ahead of the problem.

Q3: Do natural repellents like peppermint oil really work?

Peppermint oil smells nice, but it’s usually not strong enough to fix an active mouse problem. While it might deter a few mice, you still need to seal entry points, remove food sources, and set traps to eliminate them completely. Also, peppermint oil is toxic for pets, so it can be dangerous to use if you have one.

Q4: Can I wait and see if the mice leave on their own?

Waiting is a big mistake. Once mice find shelter and food, they have no reason to leave. In fact, the longer they stay, the bigger the problem can get. It’s best to act fast as soon as you spot the signs. Plus, if you wait, your landlord may hold you responsible for making the problem worse. They may have you pay to fix the problem. 

Q5: Should I tell my landlord about my pest problems?

Absolutely. As a tenant, one of your key responsibilities is keeping your landlord aware of any maintenance issues as soon as possible. After all, it’s their property, so they want to know if anything is wrong with it.

What Happens If You Ignore a Mouse Problem

We all can agree that mice are less than appealing. The urine, the droppings, the mess they leave behind — it’s horrendous. They cause a foul, lingering odor and can do serious damage around the house. But what actually happens if you ignore them? Let’s break it down.

They Cause Damage

Mice have strong teeth, and they’re not picky about what they chew. Wires, clothes, insulation, wood, even drywall — all of it can become a target. Nothing is safe. 

Health Risks Go Up

Mice aren’t just annoying — they can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus through their droppings and urine. Plus, their presence can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, especially in children and pets. So, they pose a hazard to you in your home. 

And worst of all? Mice breed quickly. What starts as a minor issue can develop into a full-blown infestation in just a few months. 

You Could Be on the Hook 

Like we said earlier, if you don’t inform your landlord about the issue promptly, they may view you as responsible for making the issue worse. As such, they may legally be able to have you pick up the tab for their pest solutions. So, you should be sure to keep them in the loop as soon as possible.

Enjoy a Clean, Pest-Free Living Experience

Mice infestations in apartments can escalate quickly, so you should act fast. So, in terms of how to get rid of mice in an apartment, be sure to inform your landlord promptly, identify mice’s entry points, seal gaps (with landlord permission), set traps, and keep your food inaccessible. By being proactive, you can hopefully nip the issue in the bud quickly.

In the meantime, at Bay Property Management Group, we believe your apartment should feel like home–clean, safe, and your sanctuary. That’s why we don’t just respond to pest problems — we actively run regular pest control programs across our properties to keep mice and other pests away. Look at our listings today to rent with a property management company that truly cares.