White-footed mice are common pests seen scurrying around Ewing, New Jersey properties. If a rodent is found inside, home and business owners may worry about a potential infestation. Typically, mice do not live alone and can create colonies of several hundred mice. These colonies can quickly cause damage to a home or office space and can also lead to health concerns. Hiring a licensed pest control company, such as Newton Termite & Pest Control, is recommended to avoid worsening issues. At the first sign of an issue, extermination should be considered to keep the problem from having long-term effects. An exterminator will detect the infestation size and potential causes for the issue. After an inspection, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to ensure that the white-footed mouse infestation is controlled and future problems are prevented.
This species of mouse is abundant in eastern states of the United States of America, New Jersey included. Within Mercer County, many white-footed mice move indoors to escape harsh winter temperatures, find food sources and escape predators. After they have invaded a property, they often reproduce quickly, rapidly growing their colonies. A female white-footed mouse starts breeding at a young age and has a gestation period of less than a month. If an infestation is not treated, the white-footed mouse populates at an exponential rate.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LOOK LIKE?
As their name suggests, white-footed mice have light-colored feet and a light belly. The fur on the top of their bodies is brown. Generally, white-footed mice have hind feet that are slightly larger than the front feet. Their bicolored tails are dark on top and a lighter color below, and they are normally two to four inches in length. These critters are small, normally weighing less than an ounce and measuring around six inches in length as adults. Many individuals think that the white-footed mouse closely resembles the deer mouse. While they do have many similar attributes, a pest control expert can tell the difference between these two species.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE EAT?
These pests often move inside because they have great options for food when living in a kitchen. White-footed mice are omnivores, eating both plant and animal products. Typically, they prefer eating grains, seeds and nuts. In the wild, these mice may scavenge in brushy areas and eat tree bark. Some white-footed mice will also eat insects or fungi. Their diet varies based on the season of the year and what is available at that time.
When living inside a property, these pests will eat many things. As opportunistic feeders, white-footed mice will eat what is around them to survive. Kitchen scraps, such as crumbs, leftover spills and even food left on dirty dishes serve as food sources. When it is left out, pet food can also be a source of food for white-footed mice. To avoid this, experts recommend only feeding pets at designated mealtimes to avoid mice having constant access to food.
WHERE DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LIVE?
When outdoors, white-footed mice can live in various habitats. Typically, they prefer warm and dry areas throughout the Ewing, New Jersey area. They prefer to stay hidden and will stay in forested or grassy spots. Bushes or landscaping near properties can also be home to mouse nests. White-footed mice live near their food and water sources when they move inside. As they prioritize survival, they will try to stay within a short distance of their main sources of food. This makes secluded kitchen areas, garages or other indoor structures appealing places for white-footed mice to live. Within kitchens, many white-footed mice will stay in cabinets, behind appliances or in pantries.
Mouse colonies live in nests. The white-footed mouse creates a rough and spherical nest with a hold in the center for entry and exit. These nests are made out of shredded materials, often acquired from within a home or property. Outdoor nests may be made of twigs, leaves or grass. Inside, some mice will use insulation, paper, clothing or furniture for nesting materials. If shredded paper is found scattered throughout a property, a rodent nest may be nearby.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WHITE-FOOTED MICE
An infestation of white-footed mice can cause damage to property structures and systems. Over time, mice will damage indoor objects as they chew. To keep their growing incisors trimmed, mice will gnaw on the things around them. When living indoors, mice can chew through walls, floors and furniture. Scratch or bite marks along walls and siding are a possible sign of a white-footed mouse infestation. They will also chew on electrical wires and can risk causing electrical fires or system malfunctions.
Mice will also damage properties as they seek out nesting materials. They will often nest in insulation or shred insulation to bring to their nests. Some mice will also seek out other soft materials for nests, sometimes chewing on mattresses or other fabrics.
ARE WHITE-FOOTED MICE AGGRESSIVE?
There is limited evidence to show that white-footed mice are aggressive when unprovoked. Typically, these critters prefer to stay away from humans and other animals. Living in secluded areas, these mice do not seek out interactions with others and will run away when approached. However, if white-footed mice feel threatened or attacked, they can react by biting or scratching. This is just a defense mechanism, however, it can still pose the risk of harm or illness transmission. Some mice are known to be more aggressive when they have recently delivered a litter of pups. White-footed mice nurse their pups for approximately three weeks after birth and are known to be more aggressive during this time in efforts to protect them.
DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Several diseases are carried by white-footed mice that can be transmitted to humans. These rodents can spread illness through their feces, urine and saliva. Hantavirus is one virus transmitted by these pests and can be quite harmful if contracted. This virus causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and can fatally affect respiratory functions. Additionally, white-footed mice can spread leptospirosis. While rare, this disease is primarily spread by mouse urine and can cause flu-like symptoms and abdominal pain. Treatment for leptospirosis includes antibiotics.
White-footed mice are known to be one of the highest transmitters of Lyme disease. This illness is spread indirectly from mice, being carried via fleas and ticks to humans. Lyme disease will often begin with a rash and fever and can create long-term symptoms of joint pain and fatigue. While many cases of Lyme disease can be treated within a few weeks, for some, this disease lasts for many months and can cause long-term difficulties.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MICE
Signs of a house mouse problem include:
These rodents give away their presence with these clues:
• Visual sightings of living and dead mice • Dusty surfaces show evidence of tiny footprints • Mouse droppings may be found on a variety of surfaces • Scratching noises may be heard above false ceilings or in floorboards • Walls may show grease marks from rodent fur
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MICE
Use the following tips to help prevent a house mouse infestation:
• Eliminate indoor and outdoor clutter • Apply caulk and steel wool to openings in the building's exterior • Trim foliage so that it cannot touch buildings • Ensure that weather stripping and mortar are in good repair • Install door sweeps • Fix ventilation issues in crawl spaces, attics and basements
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.
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