Get Mice Out of Your Home with These Tips

We love famous mice. Jerry Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, the mice from Cinderella––the list goes on and on. But something about a real-life, disease-carrying house mouse really gets under our skin, and for good reason! Though a house mouse is not as dangerous as a deer mouse, it can still bring in bacteria that can make you and your family sick. 

Here’s how to get the mice in your home, out of your home. 

What is a House Mouse?

While there are several different species of mice to exist in the wild, the house mouse is appropriately named for its tendency to seek shelter in homes—especially within the walls and attics. Adult house mice are generally a dusty gray color with cream-colored bellies, and only measure about 2.5 to 3.75 inches in length. 

Though these mice are small, a female is capable of producing up to 35 babies each year. 

What Are the Risks of House Mice?

A rodent infestation is a nuisance. Who wants to hear tiny feet pattering on the floor late at night? Not only are house mice annoying, but they can also be dangerous to your health. House mice carry antibiotic resistant pathogens such as E.coli, C. difficile, and Salmonella. 

Particles of their feces and urine can even become airborne, further spreading disease and potentially triggering asthma or allergy symptoms. House mice can also bring in other pests along with them including ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. 

If you suspect a mouse infestation in your home, make sure you stay on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Droppings (may be soft and moist or dried and solid)
• Footprints
• Gnaw marks
• Urine (a distinct ammonia-like smell)
• Oily marks on the walls (indicative of a mouse crawling)

Prevention Tips

There are numerous actions homeowners can take to prevent a mouse infestation in their walls or attics. 

Since mice can fit into small crevices, it’s important to start sealing any gaps or cracks that could provide entry into your home. We recommend taking precautions such as installing door sweeps on exterior doors, repairing damaged screens, screening vents and sealing off openings to chimneys, sealing cracks and holes on the outside of your home, and replacing loose mortar and weather stripping to eliminate possible exterior entry points. 

In addition to blocking off entryways, it’s also important to eliminate food, water, and harborage resources that may attract mice into your home. Make sure to store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage regularly, keep garages and closets free of clutter, and keep shrubbery well-trimmed. 

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of having mice infest your home.

Treatment for a Mouse Infestation

We know the burdensome pain of stocking up on mouse traps, only to return to them empty––with no mouse in sight. Instead of doing all of the laborious work yourself, why not hire someone else to do it? At Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, we have licensed pest control professionals who are trained to quickly remove rodents, and prevent new ones from appearing. 

If you need pest control, call us today and get a free estimate!