We've built a better mouse trap

Shelf stable food items are recommended for baiting the traps—especially items that contain nuts, grains and oils (such as crackers, cheese, and peanut butter).

Where should I put the traps?

You should place traps where you have seen mice or where mice activity is suspected. This is most often in kitchens and basements in areas near refrigerators, stoves, pantries, between washers and dryers and along baseboards.

Why haven't I caught the mouse?

If you haven't caught anything after 2-3 days, you should try moving your traps. Mice almost always travel along the same path around your home, so you might just need to try the other side of the room. You should place two traps 5-10 feet apart.

How do I dispose of the trap?

You can use the convenient grab tab for easy disposal, so you don't have to touch the mouse. For extra protection, you can also use rubber gloves when picking up the trap. You should throw the trap away in an outdoor or remote trash can, not one located in your kitchen.

Where should I put the baits?

You should place baits where you have seen mice or where mice activity is suspected. This can be along walls, inside cabinets, under and behind appliances or in garages or attics. Be sure to place baits out of reach of kids and pets.

Why do I have mice in my home?

Mice are seeking warmth and shelter, so you are most likely to see mice in your home during the fall season, or when the outside temperature drops below 40-50 degrees.

When am I most likely to see mice in my home?

Mice are seeking warmth and shelter, so you are most likely to see mice in your home during the fall season, or when the outside temperature drops below 40-50 degrees.

How often should I treat for mice?

You should continue to use traps or baits for 15 days or until all signs of mice activity are gone.

How long should I wait to reapply Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer in my home?

For long lasting residual control, leave spray undisturbed. The product will keep killing for up to 12 months indoors for listed insects: Crickets, spiders (excluding Black Widow and Brown Recluse), Carpet Beetles, Earwigs, Firebrats, Moths and Silverfish.

Is it better to use the liquid or granule form around the exterior of my home?

The ready-to-use liquids (Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer) are great for treating smaller areas of your home exterior (like around basement windows, doorways, windows, etc.) The hose end liquid sprayer (Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Outdoor Perimeter Ready-Spray®) is great for treating larger areas like around the home foundation.

The granule form (Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Insect Killer Granules) is designed to be used in soft surface areas around your home foundation (like grass, mulched areas, or flower beds, etc.). If you have hard surfaces outside (like stairs, patios or decks) you should use the liquid products.

Can I use Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer on my carpet?

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Ready To Use liquid is non-staining, so you can apply it on a variety of common household surfaces, including rugs, carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and tile.

To what parts of my house can I apply Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer?

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Ready To Use liquid can be used both inside and outside your home. The non-staining and odor-free formula won't stain surfaces, so you can apply it both inside your house and around the outside perimeter. For best results, apply in those areas where insects could find entry to your home (like foundation, doorways, windows, conduits, and cracks).

How much of the Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer should I apply to protect my home from insects?

Indoors: Set spray nozzle to indoor setting. Hold sprayer 12 inches from surfaces being sprayed. Apply a 4-inch band along the interior of your home in areas where insects are a recurring problem. Spray until slightly wet without soaking.

Outdoors: Set spray nozzle to outdoor setting. Hold sprayer 12 inches from surfaces being sprayed. Apply a 12-inch band along the exterior perimeter of your home. Spray until slightly wet without soaking.

Where should I store Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer?

When you are not using the product, always make sure that the trigger nozzle or Pull 'N Spray applicator is in a closed or off position. The product can be stored indoors or outdoors, but always in a secure place away from children and pets. Keep product from freezing.

How do I dispose of the Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer container when I am through?

If empty, place in the trash or recycling if available. Do not reuse or refill the container. If partly filled, call your local solid waste agency for disposal instructions. Never place unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain.

How much coverage is in one package of Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Outdoor Perimeter Ready-Spray®?

One package of product treats the average 2,000 square foot home. It will cover 360 linear feet with a 4 foot band of product. Apply at a rate of approximately 1 linear foot for every 2 seconds.

How long does one application of Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Outdoor Perimeter Ready-Spray® last?

One application provides up to one month control on Mosquitoes, Fleas, Cockroaches and Flies.

What does "trenching" mean on the Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Termite & Destructive Bug Killer label?

Chemicals for soil treatment are used to establish a barrier against termites. The product must be adequately dispersed in the soil to provide a barrier between the wood in the structure and the termite colonies in the soil. Barriers may be established in the soil on the outside perimeter of the house by trenching. Follow label directions for the appropriate way to use Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Termite & Destructive Bug Killer as a trenching treatment*. (*Not in MA, NY, and RI.)

Can I use Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Termite & Destructive Bug Killer if I already have a termite infestation?

If termites are found within the house or structure, contact a licensed pest control operator for treatment.

Can I use Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Wasp & Hornet Killer Aerosol around electrical wiring?

Because the product formula is water based, it should not be used around electrical equipment or wiring.

Can I use Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Wasp & Hornet Killer Aerosol on plants?

You should avoid spraying desirable plant foliage when possible. If contact occurs, rinse with water.

How long does the Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Wasp & Hornet Killer Aerosol foam last?

The foam should disappear within 1 to 5 minutes as it saturates the nest. If the weather is cooler, it may happen more slowly.

When can my pet(s) and family reenter the treated area?

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer: People, including children, and pets may reenter treated areas once the product has dried.

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Insect Killer Granules: People and pets can enjoy the area once the product has been watered in and allowed to dry.

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Outdoor Perimeter Ready-Spray®: People and pets may enter treated area after the application has dried.

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Termite & Destructive Bug Killer: People and pets may enter treated area after the application has dried.

Ortho® Home Defense MAX® Wasp & Hornet Killer Aerosol: People and pets should not be allowed in the treated area until spray has dried.

Conversion tables and other helpful information.