SIGNS OF MICE

In the winter time we like to place focus on the larger pests that make their way into your home to avoid the elements and take advantage of the warmth. Those same pests may also cause major damages to your home and even make themselves a place to feast in your pantry or food storage. This ends up costing money that most of us don’t have to spare, especially during the holidays. We have already discussed how squirrels can cause a lot of damage and in turn cost us more than we bargained for with a tiny intruder. Today let’s discuss how the common mouse can cause stress, strain, and even some of the biggest messes to clean up. 

As the temperatures drops more mice will search for a warm haven with plenty of food. They are able to squeeze through the smallest of cracks and spaces. Most of the time these spaces aren’t noticeable on a day to day basis. It can take a lot of investigation to find an entry point, but it can be done. Mice work very hard to get into warm and safe shelter, so if they have to chew, they will. Some common entry points for mice are the air conditioning compressor line, gas line, electrical meter, meeting points of different housing material, inside and outside corners, bay windows and foundation overhangs, window wells, and even roofline areas. Make sure to check these areas and have them sealed or closed off as soon as possible. Not only will this protect from uninvited guests, but it will also make your home more energy efficient by reducing heating and cooling costs.

If you notice droppings that look about the size of rice, grease marks or rub marks, chewed electrical wires, chewed up paper-like material, noises in your attic, noises in your kitchen or anywhere else in your house, or even seeing mice, then you may have a problem. They are most active at night, so you may hear a lot of scattering, scurrying, and even the chewing of pantry items. Some people notice and describe a foul smelling odor, which can be attributed to droppings and the mess they make, or even a mouse that has died. 

There are so many reasons to keep mice out of our home, but some of the biggest are the diseases that they carry. They spread hantavirus, salmonella, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) through their waste. Mice feces and urine can dry and turn to dust, spreading viruses airborne. If you notice you have mice, let us help you rid them from your home. Make sure to clean thoroughly to protect your family from any virus or disease that is carried in. We understand how frustrating it can be to return to normalcy once they have made a mess. We also understand the importance of a clean, pest free home, and protecting your family from any illness. Give us a call this holiday season and let us help you get any and all of your pest problems under control!