Although these rodents are relatively small, they can wreak havoc in households and businesses across Warminster. This is because white-footed mice are adapted to stay hidden from people, which means that their nests can be difficult to locate. Moreover, it is likely that the problem is much larger than the property owner suspects. Where one white-footed mouse is seen, there are probably many others in wall voids, soffits and other difficult-to-access places.
White-footed mice are capable of causing a shocking amount of property damage. With their strong, sharp teeth, they gnaw on textiles, papers, construction materials and anything else that they encounter. The damage can become widespread unless the infestation is caught in its earliest stages.
Additionally, the people who occupy buildings that are infested with white-footed mice are prone to developing serious illnesses. To protect them, it is necessary for the property owner to ask an exterminator to perform an inspection and treat any pest problems they discover.
DIY rodent treatments rarely are effective. This is why exterminators employ Integrated Pest Management techniques. Accordingly, the technician uses a combination of baits, traps, exclusion and disinfection to address the problem. These practices ensure that the current infestation is taken care of and that the property is protected against subsequent infestation.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LOOK LIKE?
White-footed mice generally are brownish or grayish, and they may exhibit a darker stripe on the middorsal line. The underside of these rodents is white, especially the feet, but a tan or buff spot may be found on the chest. Like the body, the tail is bicolored. It may make up as much as half the length of the mouse's body. Short, dark hair covers the mouse's ears.
The common house mouse has a small body, large ears and tiny black eyes. Coloration typically is gray or light brown, and adults measure between five and seven inches, including a tail that may be three to four inches long.
WHAT DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE EAT?
This species is able to survive in virtually any conditions thanks to its omnivorous eating habit. Plant-based foods are favorites when the animals live in the wild with items such as flowers, nuts, seeds, grains and fruit being among the most frequently consumed. When food is not as plentiful, the white-footed mouse may turn to fungi, wood, leaves and bark. Protein is obtained from eating insects.
When they move into man-made structures, white-footed mice generally thrive. This is because they can eat anything that people can eat plus a few things that people would never eat. Honey, syrup, peanut butter, bread and other baked goods, meat, seeds, nuts and dog or cat food all may be consumed.
White-footed mice prepare for the winter and possible food shortages by creating food caches somewhere in the vicinity of their nests. This exacerbates the mess that is left behind once the rodents are removed.
WHERE DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE LIVE?
This particular species is commonly found in Warminster and throughout the region and can adapt to most any climate and environment. On farms and in suburban neighborhoods, they are particularly abundant thanks to the easy living conditions provided by crops, gardens and kitchens.
When white-footed mice nest outdoors they may utilize a tree hollow or an abandoned bird's nest. Indoors, their nesting options are endless. Places that are rarely disturbed by people are ideal. Consequently, storage rooms, garages, sheds, attics, basements and crawlspaces all are likely spots in which to find nests of white-footed mice. It also is possible to find nests beneath large pieces of equipment that generally are not moved or kitchen appliances. Wall voids, soffits, closets and cupboards all are places in which nests may be hidden.
In order to truly end an infestation, it is essential for all of the rodents' nests to be discovered and removed. Otherwise, they continue to pose a health threat, and they may contribute to mold and mildew issues as they deteriorate.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WHITE-FOOTED MICE
White-footed mice are ingenious when it comes to making their way inside man-made structures. A tree limb that touches the roof, a small gap in a poorly hung door or a tiny opening through which electrical wiring enters the building all may serve as entrance points. The rodents may find an opening that is not quite big enough to allow them access. In this case, they will gnaw on the opening to enlarge it.
This allows all sorts of pests inside, but the white-footed mice are not done causing destruction. Fabrics, textiles, paper goods and insulation all are shredded and repurposed as nesting material. The rodent uses its teeth to gnaw on furniture, window and door frames, electronics and anything else it finds. Electrical wiring and plumbing lines all may be damaged as well. This can lead to unexpected outages of equipment, appliances and light fixtures. In extreme circumstances, gnawing on electrical wiring can even cause fires.
ARE WHITE-FOOTED MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Nocturnal white-footed mice are adapted to avoid predators, among which humans are counted. This means that they are highly unlikely to seek out and attack people. Still, biting and scratching are the animal's main means of defense. If a person accidentally corners a white-footed mouse, then they may receive several small wounds. Prompt medical attention is recommended as white-footed mice can transmit illnesses through such contact.
DO WHITE-FOOTED MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Whenever white-footed mice come indoors, the human occupants of the building are at risk for being sick. While it is obvious that a bite or a scratch from a rodent could make a person ill, many people do not realize that their health can be negatively affected by a white-footed mouse infestation even before they know that the rodents are present.
White-footed mice leave their waste products throughout the structure, frequently in places that are close to vents or other HVAC components. Accordingly, urine and feces from the rodents can make indoor air unhealthy to breathe.
This is not the only manner in which white-footed mice spread illness. They also are commonly infested with numerous parasites, among which is the blacklegged tick. This pest is responsible for spreading Lyme disease. When people develop symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and pain in the muscles and joints, this is a sign of Lyme disease and immediate medical attention is required.
Hantavirus is yet another illness that white-footed mice may pass on to people. It is usually spread by exposure to rodent urine or feces and involves symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
HOW TO DETECT WHITE-FOOTED MICE
Signs of a white-footed mouse presence include:
• Textiles, fabrics and papers show signs of shredding • Plants in the landscape are damaged or dug up • Gnaw marks are apparent on various items • Tiny rodent droppings are present somewhere inside a building
HOW TO PREVENT WHITE-FOOTED MICE
To help prevent white-footed mice problems the following steps should be taken:
• Trim foliage so that it does not contact building exteriors • Regularly clean garbage cans • Ensure that indoor garbage cans are frequently emptied • Use only rodent-proof food storage • Put pet food out only at mealtimes • Institute stricter cleaning practices in rooms where food is stored, prepared or consumed • Cover or seal gaps and holes in building exteriors
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 Warminster area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
