Feasterville home and business owners should not hesitate to call for professional rodent control if they suspect a deer mouse infestation. That is because this small and rather innocent looking species can wreak havoc by damaging building materials, contaminating food, and spreading disease.
Property owners frequently are tempted to deal with a deer mouse infestation by themselves. This is rarely effective as technical knowledge of deer mouse behavior is essential for effective eradication. A well-trained technician can get to the source of the problem, and assist the property owner in preventing future problems.
WHAT DO DEER MICE LOOK LIKE?
This small mouse has large, oversized ears and a whitish belly. The underside of its tail is white like its belly while its back is typically gray or a reddish brown. Their name comes from the fact that their coloring closely resembles that of a mule deer or white-tailed deer.
The deer mouse's slender body enables it to squeeze through small cracks and holes to gain access to human habitations. Including their tail, an adult deer mouse may measure between five and 11 inches in length. Their weight is typically less than one ounce.
WHAT DO DEER MICE EAT?
As an omnivorous mammal, deer mouse can survive on just about anything. When food sources are scarce, deer mice populations drop, but conditions have to be particularly harsh to bring about this consequence. Deer mice prefer seeds, grains, nuts, leaves and fruits. However, they also feast on insects and other invertebrates. Scientists have observed that deer mice create food caches, particularly when winter draws near. Finding a small cache of food may be one of the first signs of an infestation that a property owner discovers.
WHERE DO DEER MICE LIVE?
As their diet suggests, deer mice are quite adaptable. This enables them to live in a variety of different conditions. Their preferred nesting sites are underground, but they are decent climbers unlike many rodents. This means that they may nest in a hollow tree if they think this is a safer site.
Deer mice are routinely found in or near human habitations in Feasterville. They will nest almost anywhere if the site provides them with easy access to food and water. But they also require a concealed location. This means that it is not easy to find deer mouse nests. They may be hidden behind refrigerators or beneath ovens. Other likely nesting locations include behind walls, in ceilings or in attics and basements. Some deer mouse families will build a nest right in a pantry or cupboard where food is kept.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER MICE
Like all rodents, deer mice are determined gnawers. They use their teeth to find food, water and nesting material. Similarly, they may chew their way into buildings, cars or sheds.
There are few materials that deer mice cannot chew through. Most metals, if they are sufficiently heavy, can keep a deer mouse out of a building. However, the species is known to be able to chew through typical building materials like siding, roof shingles and drywall. Electrical wires may be severed, which potentially causes fires and will certainly require repair.
Deer mice similarly may damage water pipes, particularly those that are made of plastic. In fact, the species is drawn to leaks, and they may exacerbate a small leak to gain better access.
Food contamination is a serious consideration with deer mice. They determinedly gnaw through most food packaging, leaving behind saliva, urine and feces, exposure to which can make people sick.
ARE DEER MICE AGGRESSIVE?
People have little reason to fear direct confrontations with deer mice. Members of the species are more likely to run or hide than risk being attacked. Nonetheless, bites and scratches do happen. All of these injuries have to be checked out by a doctor to ensure that serious medical complications do not ensue.
DO DEER MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Deer mice are known to carry several serious diseases. Perhaps the most well-known of these is Hantavirus. This serious respiratory infection can be deadly. Instances in the U.S. are rare, but it is important to be wary. Salmonellosis and other illnesses also can cause symptoms like fevers, achiness and difficulty breathing. Unexplained symptoms are best referred to medical professionals.
HOW TO DETECT DEER MICE
Feasterville deer mouse problems may be suggested by these signs:
• Rustling, scratching or squeaking behind walls • Seeing live or dead deer mouse in and around the property • Finding piles of small mouse droppings • The occurrence of plumbing and electrical problems, some of which seem to develop overnight • Finding food packaging or food items that show evidence of chewing or gnawing • Discovering a small stash or nuts, seeds or grains
HOW TO PREVENT DEER MICE
Deer mouse infestations in Feasterville can be stopped with these steps:
• Do not allow tree and shrub branches to touch roofs or exterior walls • Store wood piles several feet away from foundations • Do not allow yard debris to accumulate around buildings • Repair plumbing problems quickly • Check for exterior holes and cracks that may allow deer mice entrance to a building • Improve kitchen practices to clean up crumbs and immediately take care of dirty dishes • Use metal and ceramic containers for food storage
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.
