Owners of commercial and residential properties across Bucks County know that trouble is beginning when they see the signs of a white-footed mouse infestation. Unfortunately, they are not always certain about how to deal with the problem.
Some people think that a trip to the hardware store is in order. They pick up a package of mouse traps, lay them out in the building and hope for the best. Perhaps one or two mice will get trapped in the first few days. This can make the property owner think that they have gotten the upper hand.
However, they start to notice that their rodent problems are continuing. A small animal clearly has been gnawing on a bag of rice in the kitchen, and there are tiny footprints on a dusty shelf. Minuscule pellets that look suspiciously like rodent feces are found in a cupboard.
Is it possible that the mouse traps did not solve the problem?
This absolutely is the case. When people notice signs of a white-footed mouse infestation, it typically means that a relatively large population is present. Mouse traps may fool a few of the animals, but they cannot get most of them.
Moreover, traps do not go far enough to resolve the issue. It is further necessary to block the rodents' access to the building as well as take other steps that will protect the structure and the building's human occupants from becoming ill.
Licensed pest management professionals are experts when it comes to dealing with white-footed mouse infestations. It is always wise to ask for their assistance whenever an infestation is suspected.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LOOK LIKE?
The white-footed mouse looks quite similar to the deer mouse, but its fur is not quite as soft and luxurious. Adults weigh between 15 and 25 grams and have fur on their backs that may be anything from light brown to reddish brown. This species gets its name from the white fur it has on its feet and belly. Typically, the tail is lighter colored on the bottom than it is on the top. Close observation may reveal a dark brown stripe running down the middle of the back. The ears are oversized and have only sparse fur. With black beady eyes that protrude and long whiskers, the white-footed mouse is a distinctive animal.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE EAT?
Scientists classify white-footed mice as omnivorous. Their preferred foods are grains, berries, nuts, seeds, insects, fungi and fruit.
White-footed mice love to make themselves at home in any places where people store food, prepare meals or eat. From a desk in an office where a worker may enjoy lunch to the dining room table where a few crumbs have been left behind, white-footed mice will have no difficulty locating food. They eat virtually anything that people and pets routinely dine upon.
WHERE DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LIVE?
White-footed mice are a common species in Bucks County and across much of North America. From Canada to Mexico, members of the species may be discovered living in a wide variety of environments.
In general, they have a preference for anywhere that is relatively warm, with forests and brushlands being particularly favorable. Most of them do not live in alpine regions as they are more comfortable in middle elevations. Nests may be found in dry spots, perhaps inside a fallen tree. Agricultural areas may host large populations of these animals.
Of course, white-footed mice do not always live outdoors. Many of them take up residence in a man-made structure, and it is an unfortunate reality that people frequently make this easy for them.
White-footed mice are quite small, which means that they can fit through many of the openings in building exteriors. Once they are indoors, the mice will nest in cupboards, closets and drawers as well as under kitchen appliances and machinery. Storage boxes that rarely are disturbed also make for excellent nests. Occasionally, nests are concealed in soffits, wall voids, attics, basements, garages and sheds.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WHITE-FOOTED MICE
Members of this species can cause a surprising amount of damage. They may gnaw their way inside through a crack in the building's exterior, and then continue to cause damage as they shred insulation and textiles. Furniture, building frames, siding, food packaging and more all may sustain damage.
It further is worth noting that white-footed mice leave their waste products throughout the building they infest. Not only will the spot in which the nest is located be fouled but also the kitchen and other rooms that the rodents enter can be contaminated.
True recovery from a white-footed mouse infestation must include repairs to structural damage and the thorough sanitization of the property. Licensed pest control companies frequently provide many of these services.
ARE WHITE-FOOTED MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Though small, the white-footed mouse is capable of defending itself. If the animal believes that a person is threatening, they will react with violence, using their sharp teeth and claws. People who are scratched and bitten by a white-footed mouse may think that they have not been seriously injured, but they could be mistaken. Physical contact with one of these animals can lead to a potentially dangerous illness.
DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Although it is possible for white-footed mice to pass along extremely serious diseases, the most common sickness with which they are associated is food poisoning. The animals deposit all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants in the food from which they forage. These toxins also are spread to equipment and surfaces that are used for food preparation. When these surfaces and equipment are used or the contaminated food is eaten, people are subject to intestinal distress.
Bucks County white-footed mice infestations also put people at risk for Lyme disease. Frequently a host for the blacklegged tick, the white-footed mouse is a prolific spreader of this serious sickness. With early symptoms such as a fever, painful joints and swollen lymph nodes, immediate medical testing is recommended.
HOW TO DETECT WHITE-FOOTED MICE
Signs of a white-footed mouse infestation include:
• Tiny pellets that are white-footed mouse feces are found indoors • Shredding damage is evident on towels, sheets, documents, insulation and upholstered furniture • Teeth marks can be seen on furniture, window and door frames and other surfaces • Indoor and outdoor plants show signs of damage that cannot be explained with another reason
HOW TO PREVENT WHITE-FOOTED MICE
To help prevent white-footed mouse issues the following steps should be taken:
• Keep doors and windows closed • Ensure that any windows that regularly are opened are equipped with sturdy screens • Trim foliage so that it does not contact the building's exterior • Use garbage cans that have tight-fitting lids • Eliminate indoor and outdoor clutter to minimize hiding and nesting places • Use glass or metal containers to store food • Refrain from keeping food on tables or counters • Upgrade cleaning routines to include more frequent wiping, dusting and vacuuming • Clean up crumbs when they occur • Restrict eating to only designated places within the building
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
