Seeing a mouse in your home is unsettling, especially in light of the fact that one mouse in sight means there are certainly more. There is no such thing as “just one mouse.” Mice are colony animals, living in large groups as a matter of survival. If you see one in your home, chances are good that they have a nest and you have an infestation.
Signs of a Mouse Problem
Not everyone spots a mouse running through their home. Often the signs are far more subtle. You may find food packages that have been chewed or gnawed. There may be chew marks on trim or in other places where a mouse has attempted to create a passageway through a wall or baseboard. Mouse droppings are quite distinctive, resembling small black chocolate sprinkles. You may hear scratching noises in the walls, especially at night.
Protect Your House from Mice
While it’s nearly impossible to make your house completely hostile to mice, it’s important to understand what draws them in the first place. They come indoors seeking shelter, warmth, and food. By removing their opportunities to enter and making it difficult for them to find food, you can reduce the attractiveness of your home to your rodent neighbors.
Stop the Inward March
The first step in mouse-proofing your home is to reduce or remove any entryways the mice may be using to get in. Keep in mind that mice can squeeze through seemingly impossibly sized holes. They are masters at finding the tiniest nook or cranny. Use caulk and wire mesh to block any potential entrances, and stuff cracks with steel wool– one of the few materials mice are discouraged by.
Eliminate the Established Colony
Eliminating an existing infestation can be challenging. You may need to seek professional help, especially if you have a large or recurring mouse problem. Traditional traps are one of the most effective ways of eliminating mice, but if you have numerous rodents, you may need more advanced exterminating methods. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help rid your home of mice once and for all.