The house mouse is commonly found in homes and offices throughout the Doylestown area. But seeing even one or two house mice may signal danger, as females of the species are capable of producing as many as 35 babies each year.
Because they can multiply quickly, the presence of one mouse can quickly explode into an uncontrollable situation. This exposes the property's occupants to numerous potentially serious illnesses. In addition, house mice can be destructive, with potential damage costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Professional rodent control is imperative in these situations. With their knowledge, experience and specialized equipment, pest control technicians are able to end house mouse infestations with surprising speed.
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE LOOK LIKE?
The house mouse has a rounded body shape and may measure between 2.5" and 3.75". Their tails may be anywhere from 2.75" to four inches. On their backs, their fur may range from light brown to dark gray, with a dusty gray being the most common coloration. The house mouse has a cream-colored stomach.
Because of their similar coloration and size, house mice are frequently confused with deer mice. The house mouse has beady pink or black eyes, a pointed nose and rounded ears. Their tails are long and hairless. Deer mice, by contrast, have shorter tails that feature fine hairs.
Differentiating between the species is critical, as this will determine the treatment methods. Fortunately, professional exterminators are adept at identifying rodent species to guarantee successful treatment.
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE EAT?
Typically referred to as opportunistic feeders, house mice will forage to find food. This usually occurs in the wild where they eat seeds and cereals in addition to nuts, fruits and insects.
Their opportunistic feeding habits mean that virtually all consumable items within human habitations are eaten. This includes meats and pet food, but the species shows a clear preference for grain-based items.
WHERE DO HOUSE MICE LIVE?
House mice are sometimes referred to as field mice because this is their natural habitat. Grassy and wooded areas or farm fields are the most common sites for nesting. The species seek a dark, secluded place in which to build a nest so that they and their young will be protected from the elements and predators.
House mice love to make themselves at home in houses and other buildings. This is because these structures provide many options for ready-made shelter. The house mouse simply looks for the right conditions as far as lighting and protection as well as access to food and water.
Likely nesting locations within buildings include wall voids, soffits, attics, basements, beneath major appliances, drawers, cupboards and closets.
A nest is constructed from fabric, paper products, building insulation, cotton and a variety of packing materials. People may discover the shredded remains of these items around the house, leading them to suspect an infestation.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY HOUSE MICE
Secretive, cautious and curious, the house mouse may be responsible for a wide range of damage. They are most likely to seek shelter in buildings when temperatures begin to drop. Accordingly, they look for access through holes and cracks in building exteriors. They use their sharp teeth to make these openings bigger, which also makes it easier for other pests to enter the building.
Once inside, house mice are liable to gnaw on everything they encounter as they explore. This can include furniture, carpets, draperies, books, paperwork, sheetrock, wooden components of the building and many other items.
In the course of their explorations, house mice may gnaw through plumbing and irrigation pipes, causing leaks. They also are known to chew through electrical wiring, which causes problems from electrical shorts and unresponsive appliances to house fires.
Additionally, house mice constantly forage for food. They contaminate all human and pet food that they encounter, making it unfit for consumption. This represents an economic loss as well as a potential for illness.
ARE HOUSE MICE AGGRESSIVE?
House mice are more likely to be aggressive with each other, especially in the case of sexually mature males. Nonetheless, people occasionally experience aggressive behavior from house mice. Such encounters typically involve a person cornering a rodent, and bites or scratches may be the result.
Moreover, the house mouse's insatiable appetite may lead it to seek food wherever it can get it, including food remnants that may be clinging to the face or pajamas of a small child or elderly person as they sleep. Bites are fairly common in such a situation, and these require immediate medical attention.
DO HOUSE MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Like other rodents, the house mouse is notorious for its ability to spread illness. These animals wander through unsavory places in their quest for shelter and food. They may walk through garbage cans, sewers, animal carcasses and cesspools, trailing filth wherever they go. People who are exposed to such contaminants are much more likely to get sick.
Even clearing away house mouse nests can be hazardous, as the rodents urinate and leave other waste products in the nest. When it becomes too filthy, they build a new nest elsewhere. Handling these nesting materials and breathing contaminated air can lead to illness.
Additionally, scientists have connected the house mouse with the spread of leptospirosis, rickettsialpox and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MICE
The following signs may indicate the presence of deer mice:
• Odors of urine in certain parts of the building • Greasy rub marks on walls • Tiny footprints on dusty surfaces • Droppings found inside the house • Gnaw marks on walls, furniture, floors and elsewhere • Nests found in dark, secluded spots • Seeing rodents inside the building
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MICE
To help reduce house mice issues the following steps should be taken:
• Sealing all holes in the building exterior • Eliminate clutter indoors and out • Do not allow dirty dishes to sit in the sink • Immediately clean up spills and crumbs • Regularly vacuum and mop floors • Use lidded glass or metal containers to store food
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.
