How To Get Rid of Mice in Laundry Room? Tried And True Methods!

Mice seek out warm areas to avoid the coldest parts of the winter, and the laundry room’s washing machine is cozy enough to help keep them safe. If you want to prevent mice from entering your laundry area, you must be thinking about some helpful tips for getting rid of mice in the laundry room.

So, have you tried any of these methods yet? 

• Installing a steel mesh to keep mice out of your laundry room
• purchasing a machine designed to keep them out
• cleaning the area
• organizing cords
• using peppermint oil to keep them out
• closing the entry points
• Filling holes with ammonia 
• setting up mice traps
• securing pet food containers

Since rats and mice enjoy chewing on wires, they get into washing machines and do a lot of harm that puts your home at risk of fire. That’s why I’ve put together every trick in the guide to help you keep mice out of your laundry room. 

Let’s dive in!

How Can I Keep Mice Out of My Laundry Room?

Washing machines in the laundry room frequently get the short end of the stick when it comes to home maintenance. Most people depend on them to keep themselves tidy and suited up, but very few individuals think about how to keep mice out of the laundry room’s washing machines.

Not only is a well-protected washing machine more likely to last longer, but it also guards against the contamination of your laundry with mice poop or urine, which can lead to hazardous infections.

But as of right now, you must not fear. Here are some tips for keeping mice out of your laundry area.

Use Steel Mesh:

The strongest and most resilient mesh on the market is made of steel. It is primarily utilized to protect against pests like mice, raccoons, and possums in homes, landscaped areas, farming, manufacturing, travel, horticulture, and the food acquisition sectors. It is quite challenging for mice to make their way through a high-quality steel mesh.

Use a steel mesh, cord tire, and cutting tool to completely enclose all of the buttons and washing machines. At the switch, secure it with steel netting and cable ties. Your washing machine is impenetrable to the mice.

Purchase a Washing Machine with a Panel to Prevent Mice:

Nowadays, a mouse cover is standard equipment on many washing machines. Therefore, you don’t have to be concerned about mice chewing on the wiring of your washing machine and reducing its efficiency and longevity.

You can’t constantly safeguard your washing machine because of its expanding population all over the planet. Investing in this washing machine may be a wise decision. Get yours immediately, then!

Maintain Cleanliness Around Your Laundry Room:

Mice aren’t picky about whether your laundry is clean or dirty; they have different reasons for being drawn to it. They tend to build their nests in areas where they have close proximity to food and cover. 

Mice will enter your home if the vicinity around the washing machine is filthy or if there are food crumbs on the floor. Make careful to routinely clean everything that’s around the washer. Mice love to hide in filthy areas because they are safe from bigger predators like dogs and cats, and it is simpler for them to obtain food there.

Properly Arrange Cords and Cables:

They might be attracted to your clean laundry because of their instinct to chew and shred materials for building nests. 

Also, the lingering human scents on clean laundry can appeal to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to them chewing through clothing and even electrical wires, causing notable damage. By eating the cables, they can potentially bring down the entire electrical system of a home.

Mice will be attracted to the unkempt and disorganized cords and cables in your laundry room and will come to nibble them. So, in order to keep the washing machine’s wires out of mice’s reach, please don’t leave them unorganized in the laundry room.

Employ Peppermint Oil:

Because of its overpowering scent, mice dislike peppermint oil. While it is offensive to mice, it is completely secure and chemical-free for people.

Place a few cotton balls that have been covered in peppermint oil close to the washing machine. Mice are repulsed by the fragrance of peppermint oil and will avoid areas where it is present. Since the essence tends to absorb into the cotton, remember to refresh the cotton balls with new oil every few days. 

To ward off mice, combine water and peppermint oil and spritz them around your laundry area.

Note: This method is safe for both pets and humans. However, ensure the essence is 100% pure.

Use Effective Scents to Repel Mice

You can deter mice by using specific scents they dislike. This method works best when combined with regular cleaning and sealing entry points in your home.

Here’s a list of scents that are known to keep mice at bay:

Type	Scents	Description
Natural Scents	Peppermint Oil	Strong scent is disorienting to mice. Use in cotton balls or as a spray.
	Chili Oil or Powder	Irritation caused by chili drives mice away.
	Eucalyptus	Overwhelming for mice, use in oils, sprays, or diffusers.
	Vinegar (White or Apple Cider)	Both types are effective as mice repellents.
	Cinnamon	Strong and spicy nature makes it a good deterrent.
	Citronella	Repels mosquitoes and works against mice.
Chemical-Based Scents	Bleach	Strong odor and sanitizing properties deter mice.
	Ammonia	Mimics predator urine, scares mice away.
Predator Scents	Cat Litter (Used)	Scents of predators like cats can be effective.

Note: Repellents are a useful part of a broader mouse control strategy, but not effective alone. Combine them with food management, habitat elimination, sealing entry points, baiting, and trapping for the best results.

What Doesn’t Work:

• Mothballs: These are made to keep moths away, not mice. Mice don’t mind walking over mothballs.

Close the Washing Machine’s Lid Properly:

Stop mice from getting inside the washing machine and causing any harm by closing the lid after each usage. When not in use, it is crucial to shut the washing machine’s lid. Make sure the lid of your front-loading washer is firmly closed after each use. Also, it’s best to use closed containers or lidded laundry baskets for storing laundry.

Once inside your washing machine, they will gnaw on your clothing, rip holes in it, and possibly even become imprisoned. Trust me, it is difficult and disgusting to keep them out of the machine.

Use Of Ammonia:

Ammonia has a strong scent that deters mice well. It can harm mice’s respiratory systems and is also quite hazardous to them.

Put ammonia in caps near your washing machine in the laundry room or under the sink. Ammonia stinks like the urine of mice’s predators, which is why they dislike it. Make sure they are out of reach for kids and animals.

Spraying a mixture of one-quarter water, two teaspoons of laundry detergent, and two cups of ammonia over the laundry room will deter mice.

Utilize Cloves:

Cloves’ overwhelming flavor and potent aroma repel mice. To deter them, scatter some clove pieces nearby the washing machine in the laundry room, or stuff a bundle of cloves into a few muslin shirts and scatter those around your home.

Clove oil can also be used to ward them off. Place cotton balls near the washing area after soaking them in clove essential oil.

Plug the Gaps or Openings:

Mice can get into your laundry room through even the smallest cracks and holes. Steel wool, rubber-based products, or foam should be used to fill in all the cracks and voids in your house.

To patch up huge holes, use a lath screen, metallic material, concrete, hardware fabric, or metal sheeting. All of these things are conveniently available at the local hardware store.

Set Up Mice Traps Close to the Laundry Room Area:

Mice traps are thought to be particularly successful at catching mice. For years, people have used them to catch rodents. 

You should be aware of one thing, though: mice are incredibly curious about their environment. They typically wait until they are content before going to something new that they see. Baiting is used in this situation. 

A good strategy to deter them is to set up a trap close to the machine area. To get mice into the trap, try baiting them with foods like dairy products, tomatoes, and peanut butter. Once the mice are in the capture, dispose of them right away far from your home to prevent them from returning.

It’s best to release them in a natural habitat, preferably a wooded area about 2 kilometers away from your home. 

Note: Texas A&M Extension advises placing mouse traps sideways along the wall. This makes it easier for mice to set off the trap.

Choosing Rodent Baits

There’s a variety of rodent baits available on the market, ranging from those with natural components to more powerful chemical-based options. Some baits require multiple applications, while others are effective with just one use. It’s crucial to follow the instructions specific to the bait you select to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Various Effective Mouse Trap Options

1. Traditional Snap Traps: These traps, crafted from either wood or plastic, have been updated to fit contemporary needs and are more humane in dealing with mice. Smearing a bit of peanut butter on the trap can attract mice effectively.
   It’s best to position these snap traps at right angles to walls. Mice often travel along walls, using their whiskers to navigate, so placing the trap where you notice mouse droppings can be particularly effective.
2. Electronic Traps: These modern, battery-powered traps provide a quick solution by delivering a lethal electric shock to the mouse. Place a tempting bait like peanut butter, bacon, seeds, nuts, or chocolate inside the trap. An indicator light will inform you when it’s time to dispose of the catch and reset the trap.
3. Humane Live Traps: For those who prefer a catch-and-release approach, live traps are an option. However, it’s important to release the mice far from your home, as they tend to return. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against live traps, noting that mice in captivity might urinate and potentially transmit hantaviruses, posing a health risk.
4. Glue Traps: While these adhesive-based traps are effective, many experts advise against their use. As the Penn State Extension notes, glue traps capture but do not kill the mouse, leaving you to handle a potentially biting and distressed animal.

So, to really solve the problem, it’s best to ask a professional.

Securely Keep Pet Food:

While mice usually won’t find food in your clean laundry, it’s important to keep food and crumbs away from laundry areas. 

Because they are opportunistic eaters, mice will consume anything, including pet food. Mice prefer to consume pet munch since it is packed with nutrients. They can readily find your pet’s food because of their keen sense of smell, and they will keep returning for more.

So, make sure to store the pet food securely. Put it in a container that is airtight to keep the smells within and prevent rats from smelling it.

Keep them out of your outdoor space, particularly during the night or in areas where rats have easy access to them. 

So, regularly cleaning up any food spills and ensuring that all food items are securely stored can go a long way in keeping mice at bay.

Did You Know? 

Even Tiny Crumbs Attract Mice: 

Mice have bad eyesight but great smell and taste. They’re attracted to any little bit of food, even something as small as a grain of salt. 

Mice Will Eat Anything: 

Mice can take small food items back to their nest. They’ll eat anything they find, from candy bars to cake.

Speak with a Pest Control Specialist:

When home remedies fail, it’s time to consider a professional exterminator. Take action to get rid of them before they procreate and grow in number and bother you even more.

Pest control experts, with their extensive training, can effectively address pest problems beyond your capabilities. Many pest control companies use eco-friendly methods, ensuring safety for your family. Additionally, some offer warranties or guarantees with their services. 

These experts can effectively eliminate rodents and may also assist in eradicating other common pests like ants, cockroaches, fleas, and spiders. 

They could aid in your long-term removal of them. Additionally, they may search for and close any gaps or holes rodents can utilize to access your laundry room.

Note: Check their credentials, ask for recommendations, and expect to pay $150-$250, depending on your home’s size and infestation level.

Using Rodenticide Baits as a Last Resort in Mouse Control:

Rodenticide baits become necessary when other methods, such as trapping and sealing entry points, fail to control mouse populations. They are specialized pesticides designed to kill rodents. While effective, it’s vital to use them responsibly and according to label instructions.

Types of Rodenticides

Anticoagulants: These disrupt the mouse’s blood clotting, causing internal bleeding. They include first-generation options like warfarin and second-generation ones for resistant mice, like difethialone.

Non-anticoagulants: These work differently with ingredients like bromethalin and zinc phosphide and vary in whether they require single or multiple doses to be effective.

Warning on Using Zinc Phosphide for Mouse Control!

Zinc phosphide, which releases highly toxic gas, should never be used in homes. Only licensed professionals can use it outdoors, and it must be applied at least 15 feet away from any occupied buildings, as mandated by law.

Formulations of Baits

• Block and Pellet Baits: Moisture-resistant and easy to handle, but can be carried off by rodents.
• Loose Meal Baits: Less prone to being carried off but spoils quickly in humid conditions.
• Packet Baits: Long-lasting and good for monitoring rodent activity, but attractive to non-target creatures and children.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Effective and fast-acting.

Cons: Potentially dangerous, costly, inhumane, require professional application, risk to children, pets, wildlife, and the need to find dead rodents in the house.

Baiting Techniques

• Pre-bait with non-toxic food to attract mice.
• Place baits between mouse shelters and food sources.
• Locate baits in frequent feeding areas and in mouse-sized bait boxes.
• Space bait stations appropriately, and move them if necessary.
• Keep baits fresh and unspoiled.

Rodenticide Safety Tips

• Use tamper-proof bait stations indoors and keep them away from children, pets, and wildlife.
• Label all bait stations clearly.
• Avoid placing baits where they can be disturbed.
• Do not use loose bait blocks or packet-style baits in wall or ceiling voids.
• Store rodenticides securely and follow label instructions.
• Always wear protective gear when handling rodenticides.

How Do Mice Enter the Laundry Room?

Mice can enter your laundry room because they prefer warm, humid environments. Their constantly growing teeth allow them to eat through the wiring of your washing machine and occasionally even become trapped inside the drum.

Mice are incredibly flexible and thin. They can squeeze through openings just a hair wider than their entire body width. Additionally, they are outstanding climbers. They can easily enter your washing machine through ventilation system fractures, weak spots, gaps surrounding walls, and attics.

How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Dryer and Vent System?

Finding a mouse in your dryer or its venting system is surprisingly common. The issue often lies in the dryer’s ventilation setup, such as gaps in the vent hose, a malfunctioning seal between the dryer and the wall, or a damaged external vent cover.

To tackle this problem, start by using traps to coax the mice out of your dryer or its vent. Traps that emit a mouse-attracting scent are effective, or you can opt for traditional traps baited with items like peanut butter.

Once you’ve removed the mice, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent their return. 

• Cleaning the dryer and vent openings with white vinegar helps eliminate smells that might draw new mice. 
• Sealing any openings on the outside of your home with materials like steel wool, medium-grade, or waterproof caulk is also a good strategy. 
• You might even consider installing special vent covers designed to keep critters out.
• Another important preventive measure is to minimize lint accumulation, a favorite nesting material for mice. 
• Regularly vacuum around your dryer and ensure you have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least annually. This will not only discourage mice but also enhance your dryer’s efficiency and safety.

Do Mice Affect Washing Machines?

Mice’s teeth continue to erupt throughout their lifespan. They have to munch on wires and various surfaces as a result to limit their size. A secure haven to hide from scavengers or bad weather is provided by your washing machine. Due to their innate tendency to chew on various objects, they nibble on the wiring of your washing machine.

Mice can enter your washing machine through cracks and holes, nibble through the insulation, and seriously harm your machine. Regularly inspect your washing machine’s wiring for mice by looking for their presence.

Observe Mice Behavior to Get Rid Of Them Easily

It is crucial to comprehend mice’s behavior if you want to prevent them from getting into the washing machine. The soft fabrics in towels, clothes, and laundry room rugs are ideal for nesting. Research indicates mice prefer temperatures around 86F, and warm laundry offers them a snug spot.

Mice are also attracted to the smell of humans, so laundry with your scent is particularly appealing.

While the allure of freshly cleaned clothes could indeed be a factor, it’s important to weigh in how elements like the surrounding environment and resource availability in your home might influence their behavior.

Mice, just like any unwanted guests, come looking for three things: food, water, and a cozy place to stay.

Mice need water to survive, and if your home has any leaking pipes or faucets, it’s like inviting them in for a drink. Check for damp spots around sinks, toilets, and in your bathroom or laundry room. 

They are good swimmers and can fit through tiny openings and gaps. They can even climb walls and pipelines.

How To Spot Mice In My Washing Machine? Warning Signs!

The following are indications that a washing machine has a mouse infestation. Some indications include:

• The washing machine is making odd noises.
• If you hear scratching sounds coming from appliances, mice are likely inside. They also make high-pitched squeaking noises.
• Suddenly, the machine stops functioning.
• Dirty marks or tiny footprints are a clue. 
• A bad smell emanating from the machine.
• Mice pee has a strong, bad smell they use to mark their space. 
• Mice feces and urine around and inside the washing machine.
• Mice make nests from things like ripped paper, stolen food, or lint. If you find these mixed with mouse droppings, it’s probably a mouse nest.
• Mice chew on everything, including appliance wires. If you see chewed wires, be careful. It’s better to call a repair expert than try to fix it yourself.
• Clothes or towels with holes
• Pieces of shredded clean laundry found in unexpected places

Risks of Mice in Your Washing Machine

Having mice in the washing machine can result in a number of issues, including:

• Expensive repairs because wiring and hoses were eaten.
• Mice pee and feces have caused damage to the equipment.
• Disease transmission via mice urine and droppings.

Dead Mice Found in Your Washing Machine with Clothes?

Here’s What You Should Do:

If the dead mice are intact and no mouse fluids are dripping onto your clothing, remove the deceased mice while wearing hand gloves. In order to guarantee that any germs are eliminated, wash every article of clothing in boiling water, dry it on the highest setting, and then place it in the sun for a short while.

If you still don’t feel bad about them and you are certain you won’t wear them again, let them go. To eliminate germs, you may also soak the clothing in a combination of chlorine bleach, detergent, and laundry sanitizer.

Debunking Ineffective Mouse Control Methods

When trying to rid your home of mice, you’ll find numerous suggestions online, but beware, not all are effective. Here are some commonly mentioned methods that lack scientific backing:

❌ Relying on Cats: While cats might catch a few mice, they’re not a solution for a full-blown infestation. Additionally, mice carry diseases and parasites that could harm your cat, making this method risky.

❌ Planting Mouse-Repellent Plants: Claims that plants like garlic, onions, lavender, daffodils, and mint deter mice lack scientific proof. There’s no concrete evidence these plants prevent mice infestations.

❌ Using Ultrasonic or Hazing Devices: Devices like ultrasonic emitters or fake predators might initially scare mice, but they quickly adapt and resume their usual activities.

❌ Baiting Traps with Cheese: Contrary to popular belief, mice prefer other foods over cheese, like bacon, peanut butter, chicken, and nuts. Use these as bait for more effective trapping.

❌ Fabric Softener Sheets as Deterrents: The strong scent of these sheets might momentarily repel mice, but they soon become accustomed to the smell.

Conclusion

Don’t worry; you can keep these little pests away from your clean clothes. Learning about how mice behave and what they like can help you come up with good ways to protect your laundry.

Mice will be found in areas with food and food scraps. Although mice may live in your walls or attic, your laundry room is where you are most likely to find them. They enjoy the meal and the warmth. 

Always be on the lookout for signs that mice might be around, like small droppings or chewed items, and act quickly to stop them from getting too comfortable. Simple steps and being alert can make a big difference in keeping your freshly washed clothes mouse-free.

Mice can inflict significant harm on your washer and spread disease. The best strategy for getting rid of mice is to use a three-pronged strategy that focuses on sterilization, exclusion, and capturing. 

Mice are extremely intelligent animals that can readily dodge traps. You must use the right traps, set them up in high-traffic locations, and leave them there for several days or weeks in order to successfully catch mice. Ensure the laundry room floor and surfaces are clear from loose clothing.

In order to get effectively and affordably rid of mice, rodenticides must be contained in a tamper-proof bait station. For more aid in getting rid of mice in the laundry room, get in touch with a reputable pest control business.

FAQs

Why Repellents Aren’t Great at Home?

It’s not a good idea as repellents can leave you with a bad smell if a mouse dies in a hidden spot, and they can be dangerous if you have pets. 

Is it possible to completely eliminate mice from my laundry room?

Yes, it’s possible to permanently rid your laundry room of mice, but it requires a comprehensive approach. Simply setting traps isn’t enough if mice have a way to enter your home. Sealing entry points and removing all mice are crucial steps. For the most effective results, consider hiring a professional pest control service that can identify and address the root causes of your infestation.

Where do mice typically hide during the day?

Mice usually hide in their nests located in cool, dark places during the day. These hiding spots can include areas between walls, behind pantry or laundry room cabinet spaces, in attics, crawl spaces, or amidst clutter like old boxes and paper stacks.

What do house mice look like, and how do they behave?

House mice are small, agile mammals with large ears, long tails, and light brown or gray fur. They weigh between 0.5-1 ounce, can jump high, and have excellent senses of smell and touch. Their lifespan in the wild is typically 9-18 months.

What diseases do mice carry?

Mice can transmit over 55 diseases that affect humans and domestic animals, including Hantavirus, the Plague, typhus, rickettsialpox, and various bacterial and food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and rat-bite fever.

Why should you avoid using a broom or vacuum to clean up mouse droppings or nests?

Using a broom or vacuum to clean up mouse droppings or nests is not recommended because it can disturb contaminated dust and particles, causing them to become airborne. This increases the risk of inhaling these potentially harmful particles, posing health risks.