This native rodent is a big problem in Doylestown. Populations of this species thrive when they are in close proximity to human habitations. Consequently, they are often found infesting residences as well as commercial and industrial buildings.
Are white-footed mice a serious problem? They certainly can be, especially if they are nesting inside a man-made structure. These rodents gnaw on everything, causing significant damage. At the same time, they carry numerous illnesses that can be transmitted to people via a variety of methods. This means that they are a threat to property and health.
One of the main problems with white-footed mice is that they frequently operate at night and in places that are not immediately noticeable. Accordingly, an infestation may be ongoing for months before people really start to notice the signs. If the white-footed mouse population that is living in the building is successful, its numbers will explode. Soon, the tell-tale clues of an infestation become impossible to ignore.
From bags and boxes of food that show obvious signs of chewing to the mouse droppings that may be found in various places throughout the building, the problem becomes evident. The next question to tackle is what to do about it.
Too many property owners decide to wait and see if the problem will resolve itself. Alternatively, they lay out a half dozen mouse traps and hope that this will do the trick. Both methods fall short of what is actually needed.
Licensed pest management professionals understand the many steps that must be taken to arrest a white-footed mouse infestation. With their guidance, it is possible to put an end to an ongoing issue.
WHAT DO WHITE FOOTED MICE LOOK LIKE?
Long whiskers, bulging eyes and reddish-brown fur are some of the most recognizable characteristics of the white-footed mouse. Of course, members of this species also have the white feet for which they are named. The belly is white as well, but the fur on the back is much darker. The tail shares this bi-colored pattern. Weighing approximately 15 to 25 grams, adults may be as long as four inches from nose to tail.
WHAT DO WHITE FOOTED MICE EAT?
These small rodents are omnivorous, which helps them to survive in just about any conditions. Typically, their main sources of food are plant-based. Fungi, seeds, nuts, berries, grain and fruit are among their favorites, and they are frequently seen consuming insects.
Because of their omnivorous eating habits, the white-footed mouse finds plenty to tempt it in kitchens and other places where food may be found. Pet food is almost always exploited by these rodents as are pastas, rice, bread, peanut butter and chocolate.
WHERE DO WHITE FOOTED MICE LIVE?
White-footed mice not only are a common sight in Doylestown but also in communities across North America. Found in ranges from Canada to Mexico, this species prefers to live in brushlands and forests where the climate is fairly temperate. Alpine regions tend to be a bit too cold, so most populations live somewhere in middle elevations.
Nests are always secluded in warm, dry places. Fallen trees or a tree hollow are among the most common nesting sites. In agricultural regions, this species may be present in great numbers, causing massive devastation to crops.
Living inside man-made structures makes survival easier for white-footed mice. They look for spaces that are quiet, dark and usually undisturbed. An infrequently visited storage room or warehouse is ideal as are garages and sheds. Attics, basements, wall voids and soffits are other potential nesting sites. Sometimes, a nest is discovered inside a cardboard box or in a drawer or closet that does not get opened very often.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WHITE FOOTED MICE
Members of this species cause damage for a variety of reasons. When they are trying to find a way to enter a building, they may use their teeth and claws to explore and enlarge small cracks and fissures. Siding, roofing shingles and drywall all may sustain extensive damage. Frames on doors and windows also may bear the signs of the rodents' attempts to enter the building.
Similar damage is caused inside the structure, with the animals continuing to target construction materials that include insulation, which can be shredded and taken back to the nest to use as lining. The rodents will target a variety of textiles such as towels, sheets and clothing for this purpose. Additionally, documents, books, furniture and other common household and office equipment may be damaged by teeth and claws.
White-footed mice will chew through electrical cords and wiring, sometimes causing outages or fires. Plumbing lines can be damaged too.
ARE WHITE FOOTED MICE AGGRESSIVE?
The white-footed mouse may be small and may appear inoffensive, but it will turn aggressively on any person that interferes with it. Such encounters frequently are accidental, such as when someone reaches into a cardboard box in a relatively dark room. If possible, the animal will bite and scratch, which means that it is never a good idea for people to try to confront or handle these rodents. Doing so could result in a serious injury.
DO WHITE FOOTED MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Members of this species can hurt people with their teeth and claws, and this is one way in which diseases can be transmitted as well. People can get sick through exposure to the waste products of white-footed mice or through eating food that the rodents have contaminated. In fact, food poisoning is probably the most common illness that is associated with white-footed mice infestations.
Unfortunately, a case of food poisoning is not the most serious threat. Many white-footed mice are infested with black-legged ticks, the parasites that can be responsible for spreading Lyme disease. Anyone who experiences swelling of the lymph nodes, a fever and pain in the joints may be manifesting the early signs of this illness. Immediate medical intervention is required.
HOW TO DETECT WHITE FOOTED MICE
Signs of a white-footed mouse infestation include:
• Marks from teeth and claws mar many surfaces and items • Plants and gardens show signs of considerable damage • Mouse droppings are found indoors • A variety of linens and textiles have been shredded
HOW TO PREVENT WHITE FOOTED MICE
To help prevent white-footed mouse issues the following steps should be taken::
• Trim lawns to a shorter height • Cut back excessive foliage growth • Prevent foliage from making contact with building exteriors • Store woodpiles and yard debris piles a minimum of 20 feet from any structures • Identify and block any unintentional openings in the building's exterior • Refrain from leaving doors and windows open • Place sturdy screens on any windows that can be opened • Keep garbage cans clean • Ensure that garbage cans have tight lids • Haul away clutter to minimize options for concealment and nesting • Frequently clean out storage rooms • Upgrade to pest-proof food storage • Do not keep food on counters or tables • Clean rooms in which food is prepared and eaten more frequently
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.
