Dead mouse in basement

What's the best way to deal with a dead mouse in the basement? Obviously I scooped up the body and trashed it, but if there's one there's more. Orkin just sprayed the place a few weeks ago, but I think that was for bugs. How do you get rid of them, and then keep them out? Other than the preferred option of burning the place down?

 

I've tried electronic warfare with some apparent success.

http://www.amazon.com/2000-Electromagnetic-Ultrasonic-Rodent-Repeller/dp/B000LNV244

I use a combination of these and some smaller ones by Black and Decker.

I went with this idea first, because I would rather have the varmints say, screw this, we're going somewhere else, than dying inside the walls and creating awful smells.

Some people say they don't work. So, YMMV. They may not work immediately, but given a week or two or so, varmints seem to say screw it.

The key is to get ones that are both electronic and ultrasound, and get ones rated to cover a lot of rooms.

And Rusty, you, of all people (given your avatar), shouldn't be asking how to kill things!

 

I've never had to deal with mice before, but I know my parents have had a lot of success with those electronic plug in deals that Vombatus posted. No mess, low maintenance and they work. Plus they're humane, if you care about that sort of thing. But very effective overall.

 

I've heard those electronic things are worthless. Do they actually work? What brand?

 

Mouse and rat poison. Sold in every hardware store. We put it out every winter in the garage and every spring in the kitchen. Not a pleasant chore, but it beats the little turds in the silverware drawer.

 

This should do it.

 

Yes, they work. Not much good on a dead mouse, though...but they will drive out the live ones. I've seen them work.

 

A cat plus mouse poison will probably clear the problem.

There is a way that "they" are getting into the basement. Find the breach and plug it with something like steel wool and that will help too.

But a cat and some poison are the "final solution"...

 

I love me some sticky traps. I beat back an invasion of roof rats into a little standalone apartment a few years ago mainly using those.