Rodents! Exterminator or cheaper DIY option?

Question

Hi all,

I was informed by a tenant of mine tonight that they can hear mice in the walls. They saw one today and decided to bring it to my attention. I am assuming this can be dangerous if they are building nests or anything or biting electrical wires. My question is should I hire an exterminator or something? Or just set some traps and see if that works? Anyone have past experience? Thanks!

Benjamin Lemieux · Answer

Hi Nathan, thanks for the input! It’s a duplex. C class neighborhood. Tenants are a little messy but not awful. 2 bedroom 1 bathroom $1100 a month. Have occupied for 2 years and pay on time. I told them to set traps and I guess I’ll clal exterminator if problem persists?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Is this a single-family home? Apartment complex with 12 units? Low-class, low-income or $2,000 a month in a B+ community? Are tenants keeping it clean and ensuring there are no food/water sources to attract pests? How long have they lived there and are they good tenants?

I have a newer, expensive home. When I get mice, I set traps and kill them. Renters are fully capable of doing the same, whether they have a large home or an apartment.

If the mice are in the walls, call an exterminator to help you determine how they are getting in and stop them. Set poison or traps, and then train the tenant to deal with the occasional mouse.

Richard Sherman · Answer

@Benjamin Lemieux We have a relationship with an exterminator for all of our properties and have regular treatment including rodent bait boxes.  Might be a good idea to look at that.