STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Mouse infestation!


Chanel

Status: Offline
Posts: 4919
Date:
Mouse infestation!
Permalink Closed


So the new house we bought came with a few roommates. Lots and lots of mice. I have seen them running across the floor a few times and I just had to throw away all of our food because they had snacktime in my pantry. There was actually a dead mouse on the floor in the kitchen the day we moved in (the seller had just left about a half an hour earlier (she was actually still in the house after settlement)- there's no way she didn't know she had mice).

We did have a home inspection, but the inspector didn't mention mice. And it wasn't in the seller's disclosure. Do I have any recourse here? I feel like this sort of thing should have been disclosed. I'm in PA if that helps.

__________________


Chanel

Status: Offline
Posts: 3120
Date:
Permalink Closed

I'd contact your realtor about this disclosure question right away. I've heard it's very difficult to prove that the previous owners knew about a problem, but if there's evidence that they tried to fix it (such as traps left behind) then you have a better shot.

__________________


Hermes

Status: Offline
Posts: 8209
Date:
Permalink Closed

I don't think there's anything you can do. Non-disclosure of termites is a violation because they cause structural damage, but I don't think there's anything about mice. You would also have to prove the existence of the mice prior to purchase.

We had big mice issues this fall. I cannot kill anything unless it's attacking me (like a wasp), so we bought a bunch of humane traps and baited them with peanut butter. We would check the traps each morning and take them approx. 1 mile away to let them go. We also determined where they might be coming in and it was a little gap by the garage door that would allow them to enter through the walls and exit into the house through the openings for the radiator pipes. Mice can get through spaces as small as a pencil eraser. They're cold and seeking warmth. Perhaps this is why there weren't any when you inspected the house -- it wasn't cold enough.

It was two weeks of staying on top of it, and I'm happy to say we are mouse free...

__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase


Marc Jacobs

Status: Offline
Posts: 2347
Date:
Permalink Closed

We've got this problem currently also. Ick!

__________________

...High expecations are such trouble-makers...

http://www.confessionsofthecaffeinated.blogspot.com



Chanel

Status: Offline
Posts: 4919
Date:
Permalink Closed

Thanks, everyone. I contacted my realtor and we actually could take the seller to small claims court, but that would probably be a hassle. We have an exterminator coming out today to assess the situation.

__________________


Marc Jacobs

Status: Offline
Posts: 2127
Date:
Permalink Closed

A friend lives in an OLD farmhouse and in the winter he gets mice. I guess they don't like mint, so if you put mint extract/oil on cotton balls it may keep them from coming back, but I don't know if it chases them out.

__________________

-gd

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse
Powered by ActiveBoard