Let’s find out more about mice, their likes and dislikes and their way of life in general. This knowledge will make you better equipped to keep the vermin out of your home.
No, They Aren’t Cute!
There are many species of mice: some are kept as pets, others spend their lives in laboratories, but those living in the wild can be pretty harmful pests. The reason why you should react to any signs of mice activity as soon as possible is because mice are breeding machines: a single female mouse can give birth 5 to 10 times a year, and the average litter size is 6 to 8 pups. Not only can day damage crops and gnaw at your furniture, but they can also spread all sorts of disease through their urine and droppings. Oh, and another thing they like to chew are cables, and that can cause house fires!
How to Recognize Mice Activity
You may hear scratching noises, especially at night; you may find small, dark droppings along walls; you may even see their footprints or tail marks in your dusty attic! What you may also notice along their established routes are dark grease smudges caused by their fur brushing against the walls or around holes. And last, but not the least - mice wee. The smell of their urine is very strong and resembles that of ammonia: the stronger you feel it, the closer you are to their main site of activity! Unfortunately, the smell can linger long after the successful removal and clean-up.
Prevent the Infestation
Make it a habit not to leave food out in the open and keep any leftovers in plastic or metal containers. Regularly clean under kitchen appliances and elements and make sure all your trash cans have lids on them. Seal any and all holes you can find around pipes and in walls, especially the exterior ones. Cover your chimney and vent openings with galvanized wire mesh, and make sure your roofing is in excellent condition. Finally, trim the vegetation around the house, especially tree branches and vines.
And don’t forget, if you see any infestation signs or want to be sure your home is adequately rodent-proofed, give us a call!