Whether in forests, fields suburban homes or business, deer mice can be found throughout the Doylestown area. However, the success of this species means that it is now more widespread than ever. It is increasingly common for residences and commercial buildings in urban areas to report problems with deer mice.
In fact, any cluttered indoor or outdoor space offers good habitat to deer mice inviting a deer mouse infestation. These rodents do especially well when they live in close proximity to people. This is because man-made structures offer ideal shelter. Moreover, multiple food and water sources found in and around buildings make these spots very attractive for nesting.
When people begin to suspect that they have mice, it is common for them to purchase one or two mouse traps. These are then placed somewhere on the property with the hope that the deer mouse infestation soon will be at an end.
Unfortunately, mouse traps alone are not equal to stopping deer mouse problems. When people see one or two mice around the property, they can be certain that dozens more may be well-hidden nearby. One or two mouse traps will never get all of these individual animals.
Stronger methods are required, and that is what pest management professionals provide. In addition to strategically placed and carefully baited traps, exterminators use bait stations to lure rodents. Poison baits are then carried back to the nest where they can be distributed among numerous individual animals.
Additionally, pest management professionals seal up cracks and other openings through which rodents gain access to buildings. With thorough disinfection of the structure, people can be certain that the health problems that are associated with deer mouse infestations are no longer a threat.
WHAT DO DEER MICE LOOK LIKE?
Deer mice are bi-colored mammals, which means that they have lighter fur on their bellies and feet than they do on their backs. Many of these rodents have white or off-white stomachs and feet while their backs are dark brown. Even the tail is bi-colored like the rest of the body. Full-grown deer mice may have a body length of approximately seven to 10 centimeters. The tail may measure from five to 13 centimeters. This mouse's oversized ears give it a keen sense of hearing, but the eyes are small and beady.
WHAT DO DEER MICE EAT?
Deer mice tend to follow a more plant-based diet, especially when they live in the outdoors. Foods such as fruit, berries, nuts and seeds are commonly consumed. Nonetheless, these rodents also will eat protein, as is evidenced by their habit of eating insects. Deer mice prepare for the winter by collecting caches of food, which usually are stored close to the nest.
With deer mice being able to eat protein and plant-based foods, they thrive in kitchens, pantries and anywhere else that traces of food can be found. Fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, meat, grains, pasta and breads all are susceptible to infestation by deer mice if they are not properly stored.
WHERE DO DEER MICE LIVE?
Extremely adaptable, deer mice are capable of living in nearly any environment and climate. The species collects a variety of plant matter such as stems, twigs, leaves and roots to make a nest in a dark, warm, sheltered space. Additional warmth may be provided by materials such as insulation, fabric, feathers and fur. In nature, nests may be found in the hollow of a tree or a tree stump. The abandoned burrow of another animal also may be taken over by a deer mouse.
Indoor nests are exceptionally attractive to deer mice because man-made structures tend to be warm and dry while also providing access to food and water. Any room that is cluttered is susceptible to infestation. Storage rooms with cardboard boxes, especially if they are rarely disturbed by people, may be particularly vulnerable. Other common nesting sites include cupboards, closets, drawers and the space beneath large appliances or equipment. Rarely used vehicles also provide a multitude of possible nesting sites.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER MICE
Where one deer mouse is found, it is a certainty that there may be dozens more nearby. Each of these rodents is equipped with strong, sharp teeth that can easily chew through common materials like siding, roofing tiles, wooden frames, sheetrock and many others. Deer mice use their teeth to enlarge entrance holes in building exteriors, to create tunnels and passageways through buildings and to collect nesting material.
Rodent activity may cause considerable damage to structural elements as well as items that are commonly found in homes and businesses. Fabric, documents, books and wiring all may be damaged or destroyed. In fact, deer mice may chew through electrical wiring, causing shorts, outages and even fires.
ARE DEER MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Nocturnal deer mice prefer to stay out of sight as this helps to ensure their survival. Nonetheless, a rodent that is cornered or mishandled by a person quickly reacts with biting and scratching. This instinctive behavior can cause serious injury to the victim and may transmit a potentially life-threatening illness.
DO DEER MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Deer mice are a considerable threat to human health, even if people never see or touch the rodents. They are known to spread dozens of diseases, one of the most serious and common of which is Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Symptoms of this illness may resemble those of the flu. However, infected people receive an unpleasant shock when they go to the doctor for help. If Hantavirus does not receive prompt medical attention, it can prove deadly.
A much more common sickness that is associated with deer mouse infestations is food poisoning. Rodent waste products and saliva all may be left behind in food that is intended for human consumption. Additionally, food preparation surfaces, equipment and dishes all may be contaminated. Symptoms of food poisoning may include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
HOW TO DETECT DEER MICE
The following signs may indicate the presence of deer mice:
• Caches of food • Nests in drawers or cabinets • Urine odors somewhere in the building • Gnaw marks on a variety of items or surfaces • Grease stains on walls
HOW TO PREVENT DEER MICE
To help reduce deer mice issues the following steps should be taken:
• Ensuring that exterior doors are rodent-proof • Clean up storage facilities • Using rodent-proof food storage practices • Getting rid of indoor and outdoor clutter • Sealing up openings in the building's exterior to keep pests out
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 Doylestown home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
