There are several different species of rats and mice in the wild. The ‘house mouse’ is most commonly what is invading your home if you have a mice problem. They tend to take shelter in walls and attics of residential and commercial properties. These mice are typically gray in color and their size ranges from 2.5-3.75 inches in length. Here are a few tips from professional rodent exterminators on how to get rid of these pests.
Mice Control Prevention Tips
Let’s start with mice control tips to prevent these pests from entering your home in the first place. Mice can fit in the tiniest of holes, like the size of a dime, so it’s important to make sure any gaps or cracks are sealed and won’t provide any entryway into your home. A few ways you can make sure this happens is by installing door sweeps, screening vents and openings in your chimney, fixing any screens that are damaged or have holes, and replacing any loose mortar or weather stripping.
Another prevention tip is removing any water and food source for these pests. You should store food in airtight containers, especially pet food. Make sure your garbage is stored in closed bins or containers, and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home to eliminate any shelter. Attics and crawl spaces should also be well-ventilated to keep the area dry. Moisture in these areas can attract mice and other rodents.
Warning Signs
A mouse or rat could be taking up shelter in your home for a long time before you even notice. A few warning signs you should be aware of and on the lookout for include mice droppings that are typically 0.125-0.25 inches long. Another hint is a dead rat smell which smells like a rotten cabbage. Mouse urine also has an ammonia-like smell that is a key indicator they may be taking up shelter in or around your home.
If a mouse is traveling through your home, there will be clear signs of their movements. This includes foot prints, droppings, and markings. As their bodies rub against walls, they leave behind oily marks, and their footprints are distinct because their front paws have 4 toes, while their hind legs have 5 toes.
They also tend to gnaw on wood or insulation so they can burrow themselves in the material. Sometimes, when you spot one mouse, there are likely others not far out of sight.
Treatment
If you spot a mouse or rat in your home, it is best to call a professional exterminator or pest control company to come out and inspect the problem to make sure there isn’t a bigger infestation that you aren’t aware of. Other forms of treatment include mouse traps and rat poison, but that can be very harmful to pets if ingested. Pest control companies can offer alternative means to remove the pests.
