I can’t ever remember having so much difficulty with rodents. As you recall, I earlier mentioned that a mouse has taken up residence in my house. Even worse, it has chosen my mattress as the perfect abode.

I did all the usual things that one does to get rid of a mouse. Finally, I called in the big guns and hired an exterminator. Unfortunately, the exterminator had no better luck than I did in spite of poison and special traps. It is absolutely maddening. How can a varmint with a brain the size of a pea outsmart even a professional?

Eventually, I decided to surrender and throw away the mattress along with the unwelcome resident. I went online to Mattress Firm and selected another mattress. My mattress was old anyhow, I reasoned, and a new buy would be worth the money.

I paid extra to have the delivery guys cart out the old one and didn’t mention the resident rodent. I was really afraid it would jump out when they carried it away. Nothing happened. Thank goodness, my plan was a success.

Did I say it was a success? Actually, not exactly. It was only three days until I heard the unmistakable sound of scratching and chewing again. The mouse had found the new mattress and loved his new condo. I’m sure it was rolling out the rug, arranging furniture and hanging pictures.

By now, you are probably wondering what filthy home I am running. I must be a hoarder or slovenly house keeper to attract rodents. I swear, I run a stellar operation, empty trash, clean, and de-clutter on a regular basis. I have even hired a maid service to come weekly. According to what I read, it has nothing to do with cleanliness and even the finest mansions can have mice.

Unlike rats, a house mouse is curious. It will seek out tiny secret places to live. They can live for three days on a crumb as small as a piece of dog kibble. Even worse, they stockpile eats for their dining pleasure at a later time. Their incisors constantly grow and they must chew to keep them at a manageable length. The mouse dentist can be proud as my critter maintains his teeth in exceptional condition.

So, what to do. I consulted AI and followed every suggestion to no avail. I bought sticky traps and high-frequency sound deterrents. I bought mint mouse spray as mice dislike mint. I have the most delicious mint-smelling bedroom in town. The only thing I did not do was spray cat urine. My friends would think I’m nuts. “Hey, would you mind bringing me a pint of your cat’s pee?”

Cats are predators and mice are deathly afraid of them. I guess that explains why I have never had a mouse problem before. I’ve always had cats. Most people say “get a cat” when I tell them my problem. But cats are trouble. They shed on everything, scratch the furniture, want expensive food and have sky-high vet bills. And after they cost you a fortune, they die and break your heart. I’m not sure which is worse, a mouse or a cat.

I think I will have to throw away a brand new mattress. But if it didn’t work before, what’s to say it will work this time? Nonetheless, if this continues, I will soon spend more on exterminators and repellents than the cost of the mattress. I keep thinking it will eat the poison the exterminator put out and eventually die. It is quiet for a day or two and my hopes are up, then it returns.

At this point, there seem to be only a few things left to do. I will throw out the mattress and not buy a new one. Second choice is to get another stupid cat. Lastly, I name the mouse “Micky” and learn to live with it. If I was sure it was “Micky” and not “Minnie,” that would be a choice.

But what if the scratching I hear is mamma mouse preparing a nursery? I will soon have dozens of mini-critters running around.

Copyright 2025 Sheila Moss