Pest control company recommendations - deer mice

[karig]

I am looking for recommendations for mouse control. I have deer mice in my attic (and maybe now in the crawlspace or at least in the walls). So far I'm only aware of two pest control companies that service the Methow Valley (for residential) - Harvest Valley out of Wenatchee and Mid-Valley in Omak. I'd like any feedback anyone has on working with either of them, or if you know of other companies.

If at all possible, I want to avoid using poison bait because of the effects on wildlife who may eat the poisoned mice. And I would strongly prefer a company (or maybe I need a separate recommendation here) who will work on securing any spots the mice may be getting in. I've used some of the expanding foam as a stopgap measure in a spot I know they are getting in, but they've chewed through it (I know, it needs steel wool or similar in addition to the foam - I'm just worried it's not going to end up being a simple project), but I know there may be more complex things to do to keep the mice out.

This is the first time I've ever had mice (house is well built and just 10 years old).

Thanks!

[in the cedars]

I use Pointe Pest Control. They are actually based out of Wenatchee but come all the way to my house that is about 7 miles outside of Twisp. I have them come regularly every few months and they spray, set any traps if needed, and help look for possible entry places if there is an infestation. Spraying for bugs and stuff is necessary living out in the woods, in my opinion. The less gigantic spiders, ants, and millipedes I can keep out, the happier I am. I like Pointe Pest quite a bit and recommend them.

[karig]

Thank you for the info - interesting, because another friend told me about Pointe Pest Control (they come to the valley for a business she works for). I called them today, and the woman was taking my info and ready to set up an appointment when she suddenly said she was sorry, but she could not make the appointment because they don't do residential rodent control here! Seemed odd, but I could understand that they might only take on commercial accounts since we are so far out. So interesting that they come to your house!

[mtber]

Mid-Valley is excellent. I used them (I recently moved) for ten years, twice a year. I never had them do any work for mice, only perimeter spray for ants, plus weeds. They even helped with bore beetles on some of my planted pines. Give them a call.

[janeorme]

Here is some information:
Harvest Valley Pest Control out of Wenatchee. Free quote. Check out their website.

Mice were not able to get into the crawl space of my house until they tunneled many feet under the house's deep foundation. They can get through gaps or openings as small as the width of a dime.

Research information about how to clean up places where they have been active:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should always treat any wild mouse droppings or nesting materials with extreme caution and use safe wet-cleaning methods rather than sweeping or vacuuming. There is always a risk of the mice carrying hantavirus.

[cwesthoff40]

We live off the grid up in the Methow hills and have used Harvest Valley for years now and been very happy with the service. They did a complete crawlspace ablation years ago and everything still looks great down there. They have traps set around the house outside and come out to empty them every month. The technicians are friendly and knowledgeable and will work with you on the best way to handle your trouble spots for bugs and mice.

Chris W

[karig]

Thanks for the information on your experiences with Harvest Valley. They seem to only want to use poison bait (based on my phone call with them yesterday). Were either of you who mentioned them able to get them to use kill/snap traps rather than poison?

And I'm curious how much sealing off of potential entry points they did for you - just simple/easy ones like spray foam around spots where pipes go in, or did they do the harder/more involved work of stuffing holes with steel wool and then injecting foam or caulk, or for larger holes putting flashing up, etc?

Thanks for any additional info!

[cwesthoff40]

I understand your concern for the safety of pets and wild animals and we had the same concern. I can say that once a mouse goes into the box, they don't come back out. I would think that kill/snap traps although poison free would need a lot more maintenance than the poison bait boxes do, more than the once a month visit from a technician. I hope this helps and that you are able to find a solution that fits your needs :)

Chris W

[janeorme]

I think it is best for you to find what works for you since you have ruled out the protocols from Harvest Valley. Maybe there are other ways to get rid of mice besides controlling with a bite of a small poison block in a strategically placed container only a small rodent can enter.On the other hand, I don't want to deal with stinky, smashed mouse bodies in traps and worrying about mouse nests, excrement, dust, and the threat of hantavirus. Regarding being concerned about dead, poisoned mice being eaten by wild and domesticated animals, you will need to discuss that issue with an exterminator.

[karig]

Yes, thank you! I decided to at least have Harvest Valley come out and do an inspection. Then I can talk w/ the technician about options for control, and at least get him to look into my attic and crawl space to see how bad it is (or isn't). It's so tough to decide the best course.