As autumn approaches and brings cooler nights and frosty mornings, micewill begin looking for a warm dry place to spend the winter. Although you can find rodents in your home at any time of year, many people notice an increase in indoor activity in the cooler months.
The key to rodent control is early detection. Because their reproductive rates are so high, a small problem can become much bigger in a short amount of time. Take a look at the tell-tale signs below so you know what to look for!
How to Tell if You Have Mice in Your House
● Droppings– Mouse droppings are a sure sign that you have rodent activity in your home or business. They range in size from ⅛ to ¼ inch and are dark brown in color. Be sure to check in drawers and around storage areas for these little gifts left behind!
● Nests– Mouse nests are usually made up of found materials such as string, insulation, and shredded paper. You may find nests in warm areas that aren’t frequented by humans, such as storage rooms or attics.
● Chew Marks– Rodent teeth never stop growing, so mice are always looking for something to gnaw on to file down their teeth. They will chew anything that if softer than their teeth, including wood, electrical wires and plastic piping.
● Food– Mice will also sink their teeth into any food they can get their hands on. They are particularly fond of grain products like bread and cereal, but will also eat other food items they come across. If you notice chew marks in food packaging, throw it away immediately. Mice carry many diseases that could infect that product.
● Tracks– Mice have 5 toes on their back feet, and 4 on the front. They may leave visible tracks along their runways against the wall or close to burrow openings. You can also sprinkle a fine layer of flour along a suspected runway to try to confirm any activity.
● Noises– You may hear the scratching of mouse claws on wood or insulation inside their burrows. Mice also communicate through a series of squeaks, so you may hear mouse conversations as they talk to each other.
● An Actual Mouse – It seems obvious, but the important thing to note is that if you see one mouse scurry across the room, it is highly likely that there are others hiding within your home.
Even a Clean Home Can Have Mice
Many people assume that because they live in a nice neighborhood and keep their home clean, that they are safe from mouse infestations. Althoughlimiting their habitatmay reduce the chances of an infestation, anyone can be a victim of a mouse freeloader.
The only natural and proven way to seal off your home from unwanted guests is through pest exclusion. The experts at Richland Pest & Bee Control can inspect your home or business, identify any rodent access points, and seal them off. To learn more about our pest exclusion services in Connecticut, contact us now.