As their common name suggests, house mice love to live close to people in Philadelphia. Any building that is not sealed against intrusion by pests is vulnerable to an infestation. That is true even in residences and commercial buildings that are kept scrupulously clean.
A building that provides no access points to house mice and other rodents is well protected against the property damage and exposure to illness that comes with any infestation. Unfortunately, buildings that are not under the ongoing vigilance of a licensed pest management professional likely have one or more cracks or holes that make it easy for rodents and insects to come indoors.
Are house mice really that much of a problem? After all, they are small, and it is possible for them to live in a building for weeks or months without giving away their presence.
The reality is that although house mice are small, they cause major disruptions in buildings and landscaping. In addition to using their teeth and claws to cause structural damage, these rodents can be infected with dozens of diseases, many of which can be transmitted to people.
Perhaps the worst news of all is that it is not necessary to actually see the animals to be affected by their presence. House mice leave behind traces of their activity everywhere. From contaminated food in pantries to waste products scattered in unexpected places, the signs of a house mouse infestation may be many.
When upholstery is shredded and food packaging shows teeth marks, it is time to call a local pest control company.
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE LOOK LIKE?
House mice are small. At full size, adults are only about two or three inches long. The tail may make the rodent another three or four inches longer. It may be possible to identify house mice by their rounded bodies, sharp noses and oversized ears. Fur color generally is brown or gray on the animal's back and off-white on the stomach.
WHAT DO HOUSE MICE EAT?
House mice are most frequently observed eating items such as fruit, grains and seeds. Nonetheless, they actually have an omnivorous eating habit, which better prepares them for survival when their preferred foods are not available. Given this rodent's food preferences, it is easy to see how they are feared and reviled by gardeners and landscapers everywhere. Their unflagging appetite for seeds can utterly destroy gardens and crops.
Because they can eat virtually anything, house mice are guaranteed survival when they live with people. Pantries and kitchens are well-stocked with foods that house mice enjoy. In addition to their favorite fruits, grains and seeds, the rodents will consume peanut butter, bread, jam, meat, pet food and anything that is not properly stored.
WHERE DO HOUSE MICE LIVE?
During summers in Philadelphia, house mice may choose to nest outdoors. The warm weather and plentiful food make them somewhat less dependent on living in residential and commercial buildings.
Nesting in the landscaping or garden may be attractive when the weather is sunny and there is more than enough food to go around, but house mice play it safe when fall arrives. Rodents that are not already nesting indoors will do so now, and people may see a considerable uptick in indoor house mouse activity throughout this season as well as the winter and spring.
It is uncommon for house mice to nest in rooms where people frequently are active. Instead, they choose garages, warehouses, store rooms, sheds and other buildings that rarely are inhabited and tend to be very cluttered.
Similarly, house mice will nest in basements, attics and crawlspaces as they offer the same kind of conditions. An abandoned car or a wall void may make an ideal nesting spot. Some house mice will settle themselves in a little-used closet or cupboard. Nests even have been discovered beneath kitchen appliances and heavy machinery in commercial and industrial buildings.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY HOUSE MICE
Wherever they nest or forage for food, house mice cause a massive amount of damage. When buildings do not have openings that are quite large enough to allow them inside, the rodents use teeth and claws to enlarge holes and cracks. This not only makes the building more susceptible to other pests but also allows rain to seep into the structure, causing even more destruction.
Like other rodents, house mice have teeth that grow without stopping. This means that they are compelled to gnaw on almost everything that they encounter. Wood, brick, masonry and other building materials may sustain significant damage. House mice additionally chew on electrical wiring, resulting in malfunctioning equipment and even fires. Plumbing leaks may be exacerbated by house mouse activity too.
The rodents do not stop at destroying the building. The contents are just as vulnerable, if not more so. Anything that is made of wood, paper, cardboard or fabric may be shredded and destroyed. Insulation similarly is shredded and carried back to line the nest. Clothing is damaged, and photographs and other sentimental items may be beyond repair.
ARE HOUSE MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Accustomed to being prey for larger animals, house mice are well-equipped to defend themselves. Their preference is to escape the notice of people, and they will run away in an accidental encounter. If they cannot get away, they will stand and fight with their claws and teeth. People can be seriously injured in these attacks. Moreover, diseases may be transmitted via physical contact so it is always best to avoid these situations.
DO HOUSE MICE CARRY DISEASE?
These rodents have the potential to carry no fewer than three dozen diseases that can be passed on to human victims. Accordingly, it is dangerous to allow infestations to continue once the presence of house mice is suspected.
It is not necessary for physical contact to occur between house mice and people for an illness to be transmitted. For example, the feces and urine of these animals may contain Hantavirus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis as well as salmonella bacteria, which are responsible for many severe cases of food poisoning.
House mice frequently are infected with parasites that further can make people sick. One example of this is the ticks that spread Lyme disease and Colorado tick fever. Fleas that are found on these rodents may be infected with the bubonic plague.
People who make physical contact with a dead house mouse or are bitten by an infected animal may develop a case of rat-bite fever.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MICE
Signs of a house mouse infestation include:
• Various surfaces on the building and its content show signs of teeth and claw marks • Waste products are found indoors • Noises such as squeaking and rustling may be detected behind walls • Dusty surfaces are marked by tiny footprints
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MICE
To help prevent house mouse issues the following steps should be taken:
• Ensure that trashcans are fitted with tight lids • Routinely wash trashcans to eliminate traces of food • Trim lawns and foliage to minimize hiding places • Inspect the building's exterior for access points that need to be blocked • Use pest-proof containers to store food • Do not keep food on counters or tables • Make a habit out of wiping up food messes as they occur • More frequently vacuum and mop floors • Keep storage rooms, sheds and garages cleaner • Immediately place used dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink
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.
