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June 2024
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Hundreds of different species of mice exist in the world. House mice are appropriately named for their tendency to seek shelter in homes, particularly in walls and attics. Mice can range from 2.5-3.75 inches and are usually gray with cream-colored bellies. House mice are notorious for adapting well to harsh conditions and reproducing rapidly despite their unassuming appearance. Each female can give birth to up to 35 young per year. You will find information on removing mice from your walls and attic in the following sections. Risks You need to prevent house mice from invading your home. Rodent infestations are not only a nuisance but can also pose several serious health risks. Rodents can spread diseases, carry bacteria, and contaminate food. The particles in their feces and urine can even become airborne, spreading disease and potentially triggering asthma or allergy symptoms. As house mice urinate so frequently, their droppings can accumulate rapidly in hidden places within your homes, such as the interior of walls and attics. Mice also unknowingly bring in other pests such as fleas, ticks, mites, etc., which carry bacteria and diseases into your house. To detect a mouse infestation, you should watch for signs such as droppings, urine staining, and damaged food containers. Contact professionals for the proper removal of mice from your house. You should seek medical attention immediately if you or someone in your family shows symptoms related to rodent bites. Prevention Tips
Luckily, homeowners can take several steps to prevent infestations of mice in areas such as walls and attics. Mice can fit into as small a crack or opening as small as a dime, so it's essential to seal any cracks or openings where they can enter your home. You can take different precautions to keep the mice away from your home. Install door sweeps on exterior doors, repairing damaged screens, screen vents and openings to chimneys, sealing cracks and holes on the exterior of the home. Replacing loose mortar and weather stripping will eliminate possible entry points for house mice. In addition to blocking off entryways, it is important to eliminate food, water, and harborage areas that may attract mice. You should regularly store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage to keep garages and closets clutter-free. Maintain a well-ventilated attic and crawl space, store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home, and keep shrubbery well-trimmed. You can prevent mice from entering your home looking for food or shelter by following these simple tips. Warning Signs There are several signs to look for that could indicate that you have mice in your home. You may notice their droppings. Mouse droppings can be moist and soft or dry and solid. A distinctive ammonia-like odor is another sign that mice infest your home. Mice travel around your home, leaving behind evidence of their movement. Typically, rats use the same paths when moving about, leaving rub marks, droppings, and footprints in their wake. House mice leave four-toed and five-toed prints on walls while their bodies leave oily marks as they move along them. House mice can also leave rough or smooth gnaw marks around homes. They may also dig burrows using insulation and eat seeds, cereals, or insects found in your house. If you see a real mouse in your home, it is likely just one of many hidden just out of sight.
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Common Types of Rodents Invading Homes3/17/2022 Rodents are one of the most common pests in the country. About 21 million U.S. homes are infested with them each winter. According to a survey, nearly one-third of Americans have dealt with rodents in their home. During the fall and winter, various rodents invade homes searching for food and shelter. Many homeowners reported sightings of rodents in their kitchens and their basements and living rooms. A rat or mouse infestation inside a home or business can pose a serious threat to health and property. A variety of rodents spreads salmonella and other bacteria and trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Further, rodents can damage drywall, wood, and electrical wires, which increases the risk of electrical fires. Keeping both people and property safe requires rodent prevention measures and awareness. A rat can squeeze through a quarter-sized opening while a mouse can squeeze through a quarter-inch hole. Female rats breed quickly once inside. A female mouse can have as many as 12 offspring every three weeks, allowing infestations to grow quickly. Common Types of Rodents Deer Mice Deer mice live throughout the United States, and they prefer to nest in rural areas, such as old fence posts, tree hollows, and log piles. There is rarely a problem with deer mice in residential settings, but they may wander inside during the winter months looking for food and shelter. They will usually settle in sheds, barns, or cabins in the off-season. Deer mice are the most common carriers of hantavirus, a group of viruses that can cause kidney, blood, and respiratory ailments in humans and can occasionally be fatal. Infected mice transmit the virus by inhaling dust particles contaminated with urine, feces, or saliva. Pet food and birdseed should be stored in secure containers. Don't keep these items in places like garages or storage sheds, where they are more accessible and more attractive to deer mice. House Mice
House mice are the most commonly encountered rodent species throughout the United States. House mice usually nest in dark, secluded areas inside buildings. They can climb and jump up to a foot in height, reaching remote or withdrawn areas. House mice can chew through drywall and insulation and cause significant property damage. Furthermore, they have been reported to spark electrical fires inside houses by gnawing on wires. The mice can also be a health threat, as they can contaminate stored food and spread diseases like salmonella. House mice prefer dark, sheltered areas, such as clutter in the home. To maintain a clean and well-organized storage area, ensure boxes are kept high off the ground. Keep food in rodent-proof containers to avoid attracting intruders. Norway Rats Norway rats are widespread throughout the United States, just like other species. Norway rats are nocturnal and burrow into garbage piles or beneath concrete slabs. When food sources are scarce outdoors, this species tends to enter houses in the fall and nest in basements, crawlspaces, and other undisturbed dwellings once inside. Norway rats can gnaw through plastic and lead pipes, causing serious property damage. In addition, they spread diseases such as plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever, and cowpox. This species can also bring fleas and mites inside the house. Keep an eye out for signs of infestations, such as droppings, chew marks, damaged food products and grease stains. Since an infestation can grow rapidly, it is vital to detect and remove potential pests as soon as possible. |