Seeing a single mouse in your kitchen is often a sign that others may be nearby. Mice tend to stay hidden in walls, ceilings, or behind appliances, coming out at night to look for food and water. Even a small presence can lead to bigger issues, including contaminated food, chewed wires, and droppings in hard-to-see areas, so acting early really matters.

The “rice and baking soda” method you mentioned is commonly shared online, but it’s not very reliable. While mice are attracted to food like grains, there’s limited evidence that this mixture works consistently. It can also create unintended risks, especially if pets or children come into contact with it. Other DIY ideas like plaster or salt fall into the same category—they sound simple but aren’t predictable or necessarily safe.

A more effective approach is to focus on proven methods. Sealing entry points (even tiny gaps), keeping food in airtight containers, and cleaning up crumbs or spills can make your home far less attractive to mice. Traps—used carefully and placed along walls where mice travel—are also a more controlled way to deal with the problem.

If activity continues, it may be worth considering professional pest control, especially for hidden infestations. The key is prevention: once food, shelter, and access are limited, mice are far less likely to return