Quick answer
To get rid of mice without poison, cut off food by sealing it away, block entry points with wire wool and sealant, place a long-lasting scent deterrent along their routes, and use enclosed traps only if mice are settled. This avoids the risks of poison to pets and wildlife and the smell of mice dying inside walls.
Poison is often the first thing people reach for, but it causes problems many don't expect: dying mice in wall cavities, risks to dogs and cats, and harm to wildlife. Here's why poison often backfires, and what to do instead.
The problems with poison in a home
Rodenticides work slowly. Mice eat bait, then retreat to hidden places, often inside walls, under floors or in the loft, where they die.
- Smells for one to three weeks from hidden dead mice
- Flies attracted to the body
- Risk to pets that eat bait or poisoned mice
- Risk to wildlife such as owls, hedgehogs and foxes
- Suffering for the mice
1cut off food
Mice stay where food is easy. Move dry food, pet food and bird seed into sealed hard containers. Clean under appliances and lift pet bowls at night.
2block the way in
Find gaps around pipes, under doors and behind appliances. Fill them with wire wool and sealant, or metal mesh. Fit brush strips to external doors. Expanding foam alone can be chewed through.
If mice are already inside, seal the main gaps once activity drops so you don't trap them in.
| Material | Good for mice? |
|---|---|
| Wire wool plus sealant | Yes |
| Metal mesh | Yes |
| Brush strips on doors | Yes |
| Expanding foam only | No, can be gnawed |
| Tape or cardboard | No |
3deter mice along their routes
Mice travel the same paths along walls every night. Place a strong, long-lasting scent deterrent along those routes, behind appliances and near entry points.
MintGuard peppermint balls go down once in kitchens, lofts, garages or cars and last around 30 to 60 days per placement. No poison, no traps, no power. Follow the pack instructions and keep out of reach of children and pets.
4enclosed traps if needed
If mice are settled and still active after the steps above, enclosed snap traps or live-catch traps can help. Place them in boxes out of reach of pets and check them daily. Avoid glue traps.
5monitor and maintain
Clean old droppings so you can spot new ones. Replace deterrents every 30 to 60 days, especially from October to March, and recheck seals after building work.
When to call a professional
If you have daily droppings after two to three weeks, mice in several rooms or signs of rats, call a pest controller. Ask for non-poison options if that's your preference.
Common questions
Can you get rid of mice without poison?
Yes. Food control, sealing gaps and scent deterrents along their routes work for most homes, with enclosed traps if needed.
Why is mouse poison a bad idea?
Poisoned mice often die inside walls, causing smells, and poison is a risk to pets and wildlife.
What is the best poison-free mouse deterrent?
A strong, long-lasting scent like peppermint placed along routes, combined with sealing gaps.
How long does it take to get rid of mice without poison?
Many homes see activity drop within one to three weeks once food is removed, gaps sealed and deterrents placed.
Do pest controllers offer non-poison options?
Many do. Ask about proofing, traps and deterrents before agreeing to treatment.
Looking for a product? See our mouse repellent page.
Sources and further reading
Written by the MintGuard UK team
Researched from trusted UK sources and checked under our editorial policy. Last reviewed 26 October 2026.
