Mice

House mice are widely considered to be one of the most troublesome and economically damaging pests in the country. They have a habit of consuming food meant for humans and pets, and in the process, they contaminate food preparation surfaces with their feces, which can carry harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. Additionally, they have a tendency to constantly gnaw at objects in homes, including furniture and electrical outlets. This behavior can lead to serious problems such as electrical fires, as many unknown causes of fires are actually attributable to mice chewing on wiring. Furthermore, their reproductive rates are quite high, with females giving birth to 5 to 10 litters of 5 to 6 babies each during their average lifespan of 9 to 12 months.

Hearing Scratching in Your Walls?

Scratching noises coming from your walls are often a sign of a mouse infestation. While it’s possible that other wildlife may also cause scratching, mice are frequently the culprit. When there are significant numbers of mice present, you may also hear squeaks, scrambling, and the sound of gnawing.

How do mice get inside?

Mice can enter a building or home in several ways, including:

• Any gap around the structure that is the size of a dime can serve as an entry point. Once a mouse squeezes through, others are likely to follow.
• Foundations should be checked for cracks and gaps, especially around air conditioner inlets, doors, and windows.
• Since mice can climb up and down buildings with ease, it’s important to seal upper-perimeter gaps.
• Trimming back tree branches and other plant life from the roof line can also help prevent mice from gaining entry.
• The garage is another vulnerable area, as almost nine out of ten homes have small gaps along the edge of the garage door seal that mice can exploit.
• Mice can also enter through open or poorly sealed doors.
• Proper food storage and maintaining a clean household can deter mice. While they will eat a wide variety of foods, they are particularly fond of cereals. They may also consume foods high in fat and protein, such as nuts, bacon, meat, lard, butter, and margarine.

It’s crucial to take swift action as soon as you suspect a mouse infestation in your home or business.

How to Prevent Mice

When it comes to mouse prevention, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. While maintaining good sanitation habits won’t guarantee that mice won’t enter your home, poor sanitation is likely to attract them. Be sure to store food properly after meals, as mice are attracted to food left out in the open. Additionally, regularly inspecting your home’s foundation for cracks and crevices is essential, as mice can fit through openings as small as a dime. Even the tiniest crack can be large enough for a mouse to squeeze through.