In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on why mice and other rodents are a significant risk if they infest your home. From disease spread to the potential for dragging in other pests along with them, these rodents should be promptly attended to if they’re spotted at any time in your home.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re happy to provide rodent control and rodent extermination services for any of our clients dealing with such an infestation, particularly from the more common house mouse. How can you ensure you spot these rodents before they create a major issue, and what are some basic prevention and removal methods if they are attempting an invasion into your home? Part two of our series will go over these details.
Spotting Mice and Rodents
Luckily for homeowners who may be dealing with this sort of infestation, rodents like mice aren’t as good at hiding as they think they are. They leave a few telltale signs, including:
- Droppings: House mice droppings will either be soft and moist or dried and solid, depending on how recently they were left. They’re about 0.125-0.25 inches long, generally shaped like a rod with a pointy end on each side.
- Urine: You may also smell their urine, which is similar to ammonia in odor and is often very poignant, especially near their primary nesting areas.
- Movement evidence: Most rodents use the same pathways over and over to move around the house, so you’ll see rub mark trails, droppings or even tiny footprints – mice front feet leave four-toed prints, while back feet leave five-toed prints. They also may leave oily marks on walls when they travel along them.
Prevention Methods
There are also basic techniques you can perform easily that will prevent mice and rodents from invading:
- Sealing: Mice are able to fit into incredibly small spaces, including those that look much smaller than their bodies. Seal all cracks and gaps on your home’s exterior, including damaged screens, vents, chimney openings and various windows or doorways.
- Eliminate resources: It’s also vital to remove any resources rodents might be searching for. Food is a major one here, and you should also be sure to eliminate standing moisture, food debris or harborage resources.
- Outdoor: Keep outdoor shrubs and plants, especially those near the home, trimmed to prevent hiding places for rodents. Also, keep any firewood at least 20 feet away from the home, as some rodents will nest inside it.
Rodent Extermination
If you are already dealing with a significant mouse or other rodent infestation, it’s time to call on our professionals. Our team has expert techniques for fully identifying an outbreak and remedying it throughout the entire home, plus preventing it from taking place again in the future so there are no further risks to your health or that of your family.
For more on mice and other rodent infestations, or to learn about any of our insect control, bird control or other pest control services, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
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