However, whenever you suspect perishable foods have remained above 40 degrees for more than two hours we suggest you discard them. House Mice and Norway Rats Mice and rats have lived in close association with humans for many thousands of years. Though you may never see one of these pesky rodents, you may see their droppings, hear squeaking sounds in the walls or notice that they've been gnawing on woodwork or furniture. Both rats and mice will eat almost any food, so good kitchen and pantry sanitation is critical for control. Be sure to keep pet foods and birdseed stored in metal garbage cans or other rodent-proof containers.
Snap traps are a humane and effective way to kill mice.
Bait the traps with peanut butter and set them in areas where you've seen evidence of rodent activity. Use rat traps to kill rats. A small piece of partially-cooked bacon tied to the snap mechanism is the most effective bait for rats. For serious rat and mice invasions, you may need to use poison baits, available at feed and hardware stores and garden centers. Please read and follow package instructions carefully when using these or any other pesticides.