Although its name suggests that the house mouse is most likely to be found in residences, the truth is that this curious rodent may come inside any type of Langhorne area structure in search of food and shelter. Anywhere that food is eaten or stored may be vulnerable because these mice are attracted to even the tiniest crumbs. Additionally, the house mouse likes to nest in places that are dark and offer plenty of protection. Any location that has cabinets, cupboards, closets, storage areas or any other rarely may be subject to house mouse infestation.
One of the most frequent questions associated with common house mouse infestations refers to how the animals got indoors. Sometimes, the answer is that the mice took advantage of a door that was left ajar or a torn window screen. Other times, the answer is less obvious. Given their small size and ability to stretch their bodies, it is alarmingly easy for common house mice to take advantage of small gaps and cracks that most people would not even notice.
In addition to wondering how the rodents got indoors, people want to know how to get rid of the problem. Mouse traps are an option that is both readily available and inexpensive. Nonetheless, it is wise for people to think twice before going this route.
Despite their curious natures, common house mice are good at avoiding traps. Accordingly, it is usually advisable to set traps in highly strategic locations, bait them well and to use other control methods at the same time.
With baits, traps and exclusionary techniques, pest management professionals can put an end to even the most persistent common house mouse problems. Exterminators can even perform cleanup services in the building that make it safe for people to live and work indoors again.
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE LOOK LIKE?
One of the main advantages of working with an exterminator is the quick and certain identification of the infesting species. This is essential to using proper treatments so that the infestation is brought to a swift conclusion.
Deer mice get their name from the gray fur on their backs, which is reminiscent of deer fur. The stomach is covered in white fur. One of their most distinctive features is their rather bulging black eyes. A length of about seven inches is common for full-grown deer mice.
Frequently found living indoors, the house mouse is gray or brown and similar in size to the deer mouse. Their small, round bodies are between five and seven inches long and the eyes are small while the ears are oversized.
Their white feet and stomachs make white-footed mouse identification relatively easy. Their backs are brown or
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE EAT?
Over time, the common house mouse has developed an omnivorous eating habit. This is one of the species' biggest secrets to success. Even when ordinary food sources are scarce, they can find something to help them survive. Many of those ordinary food sources are plant-based like fruit, grains and seeds. In fact, a large house mouse population can wreak havoc as gardeners or farmers try to start plants from seeds.
Virtually any food that is stored in kitchens or elsewhere is on the menu for the common house mouse. Chocolate, peanut butter and pet food are favorites, but these mice may be observed getting into pasta, honey, rice, baked goods and meat as well.
WHERE DO HOUSE MICE LIVE?
Unlike other rodent species, common house mice rarely nest outdoors. A particularly warm, dry summer may entice some mice to move outdoors, but they quickly reverse course when the weather cools.
Common house mice are particularly attracted to habitats that are dark and cluttered. It is places such as these that offer the best protection from predators and the weather. Sheds, garages, basements, crawl spaces and storage areas are particularly vulnerable because they offer the perfect conditions and may not be disturbed by people very often.
Even spaces that are occupied by people may host a common house mouse nest if there is an especially cluttered, neglected corner, closet or drawer. Nests have been discovered beneath kitchen appliances and in linen closets and upholstered furniture. A carton holding a sheaf of documents is another likely nesting spot.
Nests also may be placed in wall or ceiling voids as well as other generally inaccessible areas. Exterminators may need to get into these areas to remove a nest.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY HOUSE MICE
Most house mouse infestations involve dozens of animals that are quite good at staying out of sight and working behind the scenes. Thus, considerable damage may be caused to wooden building frames, window and door frames, siding, roofing tiles and other elements of the structure. This damage is nearly always caused by the rodents' teeth, though they also use their claws for shredding materials like fabric and insulation so that these may be used to line a nest.
Chewing through electrical wiring is common during an infestation. This may only cause annoying outages, but fires have resulted in extreme cases.
It similarly is worth mentioning that common house mice leave waste products wherever they go. Some building components, equipment or personal belongings may not be recoverable if they are severely damaged. Needing to replace insulation and other items is common in the aftermath of an infestation.
ARE HOUSE MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Members of this species would rather not run into people. Consequently, they are mainly nocturnal. Confrontations still may happen, usually accidentally when a person unexpectedly comes upon a mouse. If the animal does not see a way to escape, then the person may receive bites and scratches.
DO HOUSE MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Whether in a residential or commercial setting, people are at extreme risk of becoming sick if they are exposed to a common house mouse infestation. Known to carry and transmit to people approximately three dozen diseases, this is the most serious threat posed to these animals.
People who come into contact with the salmonella bacteria, which are commonly carried by house mice, may develop food poisoning. Exposure to rodent waste products sometimes results in cases of Hantavirus or lymphocytic choriomeningitis.
When house mice are infested with fleas and ticks, which is nearly always the case, then they may spread Lyme disease, bubonic plague and Colorado tick fever.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MICE
Signs of a rodent infestation include the following:
• Mice are routinely heard or seen indoors • Mouse droppings are discovered indoors or in landscaping adjacent to buildings • Nests are found anywhere indoors • Dusty surfaces show rodent footprints • Gnaw marks are present anywhere, especially indoors
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MICE
To help protect against rodent problems the following measures should be taken:
• Keep doors and windows closed • Repair window and door screens • Seal up any openings in the building's exterior that might admit mice • Trim trees and bushes so they do not touch structures • Keep gutters and downspouts clear • Ensure that all places where food is stored or eaten are kept clean
HOW TO TREAT FOR HOUSE MICE
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.
