Mice infestation in my property!!! Don't know what to do?

Question

Hi guys,

So I have a huge problem. Apparently mice have taken over my duplex property. There are mice in both units and colonies in the walls and vents and they are even chewing the walls. The bottom unit tenant is complaining and blaming me for the problem, telling me that "This isn't a good way to keep tenants," and that I should be "ashamed of myself."

Before any tenants moved in, I had it inspected with a pest specialist and he told me it was clean of any kind of pests and saw nothing wrong with it, but won't know until humans actually start living there.

The tenant did take with him a bunch of boxes that he kept in a storage unit for many years and has boxes everywhere in the apartment, his closet, the garage, kitchen, living room, the basement, everywhere. Boxes upon boxes upon boxes full of old stuff. I suspect that that is the problem, but he gets defensive when I tell him that.

I bought him lots of mouse traps to set up everywhere in the house but he keeps nagging me everyday and wants me to magically have them disappear. Its in the middle of winter too with freezing temperatures everyday.

Has anyone experience this? What should I do?

Justin Hoggatt · Answer

I have a good friend that deals with this all the time.  It's amazing how small of a hole they can fit through.  It depends on your location, but they could have come in from the cold.  Based on the infestation you're speaking of, it sounds like they have already been there.  I know they can multiple fast but that bad that quickly - not sure.  Get an exterminator/pest control out there quickly.  They will place bait stations around the property.  Usually they will exit and forage for food, and end up going to the bait stations and it will kill them within a couple days after they eat that.  Then, after you get the pests controlled, have a good look around the building and have them inspect for holes and areas that may be a problem.

About the tenants, don't let them get under your skin.  Tenants will say anything, especially when they may be looking for something (like a credit).  A humorous reminder that we all share this world together could help?  Just show them that you're working on the issue and responsive, the greatest trick I've had with tenants is to just acknowledge you're listening.

Andrew R. · Answer

Hi,

This will depend on the extent of the problem, but have you tried an ultrasonic repellent? They worked on a property of mine a few years ago.

It's quite cheap to try, you can pick them up on Amazon. You'll need to block up any entry points once they've left to stop them returning, but it may be worth a try as a first (cheap) option.

Good luck!

Andrew

Nathan Gesner · Answer

If the place was clear of pests and now it's infested, there's a very good chance they were brought in by the renters. If you have evidence that a particular tenant may be responsible, you can demand they cover the cost or even split the cost with you. My recommendation is to split the cost with the tenant that brought in all the boxes.

I would hire a professional to come treat the entire building. It may take several trips and will include a combination of poison and traps.

Let your tenants know that once the mice are gone, you will expect them to keep their units clean and take responsibility for any mice that return.

Dan Maciejewski · Answer

Me, I hire an exterminator.  Self help rodent eviction isn't in my scope of talents.

Let him tell you the entry points and cause.  If a professional tells you it's the tenant's fault, then bill the tenant.  Just like if the plumber tells you the clogged pipes are from "flushable wipes."

If it's just "bad luck" that they found your place because of the weather, then foot the bill yourself.  And make sure that all entry points are sealed.

Like @Nathan G. said, it will probably be a process either way.

Mice infestation in my property!!! Don't know what to do?

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