Mice may seem harmless, but these invaders can cause extensive damage to your home and valuables. They can carry parasites and diseases like leptospirosis, salmonellosis, LCM, and tularemia. Mice can ultimately put your and your loved one’s health at risk.
Without professional help, getting rid of these pests can be challenging. If you spot any signs of mouse activity, it is crucial to act swiftly and contact pest control services to get rid of a mouse infestation before it worsens.
How to Identify Mice
Mice have slender, round-shaped bodies, a slightly pointed muzzle, and large ears. Their fur can be light brown or dark gray, with a light-colored underside.
Adult mice can grow up to seven inches in length, including the tail, which can be as long as their body. They typically weigh 20-30 grams. Mice can live two years in captivity, but wild mice live for 12 to 18 months.
What Attracts Mice to Homes?
It is important to know what attracts mice so it doesn’t become a hotspot for infestations.
Shelter
During the cold season, mice seek warmth and comfort, and their sleek bodies enable them to fit through the tiniest of gaps into your home. You might find mice inside shoe boxes or storage containers, under the sink, or behind big appliances.
Food Sources
Mice will set up shop anywhere they can get a constant food supply. Mice aren’t picky eaters and love to eat stored food items in the pantry, pet food, vegetables and fruits from the garden, and more.
Water Source
Mice cannot live without water. Some examples of water sources in the home include plumbing leaks, pet water bowls, birdbaths, and other standing water.
Nesting Materials
Mice need soft, fluffy nesting materials to make a spot to give birth and raise their young. The most common materials mice use to build their nest include Insulation, pet hair, hay and straws, shredded paper products, and fabric.
Signs of a Mouse Problem
Mice may be small creatures, but they leave behind some telltale signs.
Droppings
Mouse droppings are small, dark brown to black in color, and shaped like an oblong pellet. Mice prefer to stay away from open spaces, so check for droppings under sinks, behind cabinets, along skirting boards, or in other hidden, seldom-used areas of the house.
Food Debris
Mice nibble and chew on food and packaging materials and often leave a mess behind. Food crumbs and damaged food packaging is a surefire sign of a mouse problem.
Gnaw or Scratch Marks
Mice will sink their teeth into virtually anything they can chew on. They must continually gnaw and chew to keep their ever-growing front teeth in check. Gnaw and scratch marks on food packaging, wood, cardboard, and electrical cables are some common indicators of their presence.
Mouse Noise
Mice are nocturnal and are most active at night. They communicate using high-pitched squeaks. You may also hear gnawing and scratching sounds in the late hours when they are out in search of food.
Nest and Mouse Pups
Rodents use materials like shredded paper, fabrics, pet hair, cardboard, string, and other soft, warm materials to construct their nests. If you spot pups, there are likely mice nearby.
Unusual Pet Behavior
If you notice odd pet behavior like pawing at spaces under furniture or appliances or barking at unusual times, they may have detected mice in your home.
How to Get Rid of Mice
There are several measures you can take to prevent mice from entering your home.
Consider Natural Mouse Repellent
Mice have a very sharp sense of smell, so essential oils, including peppermint oil and clove oil, are known to repel them. Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them near their hideout spots.
You can also mix apple cider vinegar and water and spray it outside your home.
While it may not be a long-term solution, stuffing fabric softener sheets into access points can discourage mice from entering your home due to their powerful smell.
Eliminate Food Sources
Rodents only need a small amount of food every day to survive. It is vital to seal foods like grains, pet food, and other dry foods in airtight containers and put away any leftovers.
Sweep up any crumbs on the floor and keep the garbage bin closed at all times.
Get Rid of Nesting Materials
Mice love to chew on soft materials, many of which they use to build their nests. Store all piles of different fabric like old clothes, rugs, & blankets in storage boxes.
Mice are prevalent in densely vegetated areas. Trim or remove tree limbs and foliage to keep mice from nesting there.
Mouse-Proof Your Home by Sealing Potential Entry Points
Mice can enter your home through openings the size of a dime. Look for cracks, gaps, or holes in the foundation, walls, and doorways, and fill them using weather stripping or steel wool.
Use door sweeps and wire mesh screens to cover other openings like air vents to keep mice from entering your home.
Own a Cat or Try Ammonia on Cotton Balls
Cats are natural predators. Not only do they actively hunt rodents with their sharp senses, but the ammonia in their urine deters mice. If you don’t have a cat, purchase some pure ammonia. Soak cotton balls in it and leave them near places with mouse activity.
Try Ultrasonic Kits
You can eliminate mice without much effort by using ultrasonic kits. They are safe for your family and pets and effective against mice.
Traps and Baits
Live traps catch mice inside a large box without killing them. Mice can then be released away from your home. Or, you may consider using snap traps or electric traps as a last resort. These types of traps kill mice instantly without prolonging their suffering.
All mice traps will require bait to lure mice into them. Peanut butter, cheese, bacon, and dried fruits work best.
Get Rid of Your Mouse Problem Today!
Mouse infestations are irritating and frustrating. Fortunately, Stamped Pest Control is here to help you with comprehensive home pest control in McKinney. We offer affordable, prompt, and guaranteed pest services for rodents and all other common McKinney pests. From consultation to inspection and from control & treatment to proper prevention of future infestation, we can help you! With the help of our guaranteed, dependable pest control services and experienced pest experts, you can wave your rodent problem goodbye!