You never know what contaminants a mouse may spread as it runs around your home in search of food. Keeping indoor and outdoor areas clean is the best way to deter them. These sneaky, speedy pests can invade your home without being noticed. It doesn’t take long for them to become a problem.
Common mice in Houston include the deer mouse, field mouse, house mouse, and white-footed mouse. Read on to learn about how to detect the signs of a mouse problem and keep indoor and outdoor areas clean to avoid mice.
Signs of a Mouse Problem
Being aware of the signs of a mouse problem in your home is the best way to catch a mouse infestation quickly.
Mice are attracted to warmth, especially in the winter. They’ll also seek out a nesting site with access to both food and water. Here are some common signs of a mouse problem on your property.
Gnaw marks
Look for food packaging and other items that have gnaw marks on them. You may notice that boxes, pet food packaging, and wires show signs of damage.
Grease marks
Mice have oil on their fur that rubs off on walls and baseboards. The more often they frequent a spot, the more noticeable the grease marks will appear.
Mice feces
Mice leave pellets of feces in places that they frequent. They defecate many times per day, which is just one of many reasons you don’t want them in your home.
Musky odor
Mouse urine has a distinct musky odor that will alert you to their presence.
Sounds
Listen for rustling and squeaking sounds. Start with your kitchen cupboards, as you may hear them rustling while gnawing through food packaging.
Mice Near Your Home
Mice don’t travel more than 10-30 ft. from their nest. If you spot any mice on your property or inside your home, it’s likely that a nest is nearby.
Problems Mice Bring
Mice may be small, but these wild animals can cause big problems. Because they dwell in sewers and dumpsters, you never know what parasites or diseases a mouse may carry.
Mice contaminate surfaces, food products, and even drinking water. Their droppings are also a cause for concern. The smell isn’t the only concern, though. Parasites on their bodies can cause diseases like Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Rat Fever.
Mice also pose a fire hazard to your home. Mice will chew on almost anything, including walls, furniture, electrical wiring, and insulation. If something ignites or needs to be replaced, the damages are expensive.
Avoid Mice in Houston: Cleanliness is Key
Keeping indoor and outdoor areas clean to avoid mice is the surest way to deter these pests. First, pinpoint the areas on your property that can attract mice and start there. To improve overall sanitation and create a less inviting environment for mice, use the following tips:
Indoor Spaces:
- Use air-tight containers for storing food
- Wipe up crumbs and spills as they happen
- Vacuum often. Be sure to move furniture or boxes where necessary to get at hard to reach places
- Install dehumidifiers in areas with poor ventilation and high humidity levels
- Empty trash cans nightly to limit food waste indoors
Outdoor Spaces:
- Ensure that outdoor eating and cooking areas like barbecues or dining tables are always clean
- Keep outdoor trash bins tightly sealed
- Trim overgrown trees and dense bushes where rodents burrow
- Remove leaf or wood piles in your yard
- Keep vegetable gardens tidy and harvest ripe veggies that can attract mice
The most effective way to avoid mice is to seek professional help from a reputable pest control team. Stampede Pest Control is your local solution for avoiding rodents in Houston, Texas. We provide thorough inspections and quick response times.
Avoid Mice in Houston: Contact Stampede Pest Control Today
If you know or suspect that your home has mice, contact our pest control experts right away. Our certified and skilled team will help you rid your property of mice and any other pest problem.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the extermination and the preventative measures we’ll set up to protect your home. Keeping indoor and outdoor areas clean is one way to ensure your home won’t play host to unwanted pests. Speak to us today to learn more about the pest control solutions we offer!