Think mice have moved into your home? Though the signs of a rodent infestation begin subtly, it is not difficult to identify a rodent problem once your home is infested. If you see the signs of rodents, there are things you can do to resolve the issue.
Look for Signs
There are many signs to alert you that you have a rodent infestation. These signs include:
- Droppings . Keep a watchful eye for droppings, especially along walls and on counters. Mouse droppings are relatively small, usually the size of a grain of rice. Rat droppings are significantly larger.
- Greasy spots . Because mice don’t see very well, they tend to travel along walls. This travel pattern may result in sticky, greasy, and dirty spots or streaks along their path.
- Food piles . If you notice small piles of food, bread, or pet kibble in spots that it doesn’t belong, you could have mice. They often create a stash of edibles to take to nests later on.
- Gnawing . Mice chew on things, so if you notice holes in clothing, toys, or bedding, you could have a problem. Mice tend to go for places where there are piles of things that can be used for nests, such as your clothes closet, hampers, and laundry baskets.
- Sounds. Mice are noisy. You can hear them make the most noise at night when it is quiet. Listen for shuffling, scratching, and scrambling sounds in your walls, ceilings, or closets.
- Nests . Mice make nests from whatever they have access to; look for piles of gnawed materials in corners and crevices. Clean out corners, closets, and cupboards to remove any possible nesting spots.
- Odor . If you have a mouse problem, you may notice a foul smell from their waste. Because rodents don’t smell good, you may also notice an unpleasant odor around your home.
- Daytime Sightings . If you begin to see mice during the daytime, it is time to act. Mice usually do most of their running around at night, so frequent daytime sightings is something to react quickly to.
These signs may not all be present, but you will often notice or be able to spot more than one of these signs if you have a rodent problem.
Act Quickly
Fast response is key to preventing an isolated mouse sighting from turning in to an infestation. Mice breed rapidly, and it is not unusual for one female mouse to have ten litters per year, each litter averaging six to eight babies; this equates to a big mouse problem in no time at all if left unaddressed.
Take Proactive Steps
Mice won’t just decide to move out one day; you must strongly encourage them to move on. Clean up and get rid of their scent as much as you can. Keep food tightly packaged, dishes out of the sink, and counters clean to deter rodents. Pick up pet dishes at night and cover them to prevent mice from grabbing a midnight snack.
Get Some Traps
If you are going to be proactive about preventing an infestation, you will need traps. These come in a variety of styles, and can be more or less humane. Electronic mousetraps are a relatively clean and convenient way to quickly kill a mouse that ventures in the enclosed box-style trap. Snap-traps are far cheaper, though they require a bit more care and maintenance to be effective.
Be Vigilant
Since mice reproduce so quickly, you will need to continue to look for and address your mouse problem even after you have caught the suspected culprits. Continue to set traps and keep a clean house to deter any further rodent activity.
Contact the Experts
If you want to make the process of getting rid of pests easier, reach out to the experts for help. Mice can transmit disease, and prolonged exposure to their droppings can cause respiratory illness. It is tough to get a good night’s sleep when you hear the sounds of mice moving in. To prevent these and other problems, call an exterminator.
Make the situation easier on yourself and sleep better at night by calling the exterminator. Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. will provide a solution to your rodent problem quickly, conveniently, and effectively.