STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kenzie · Chanel

Mouse infestation!

Suasoria · Chanel

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

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...

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

We've got this problem currently also. Ick!

kenzie · Chanel

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.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

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.