Having mice in the home can be unsettling and potentially hazardous to your health. Mice can also cause significant issues in the house, including:
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Damage to skirting boards and other chewable materials
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Food contamination
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Mouse waste in the home
Knowing the signs of mice is crucial to help you to manage the issue and prevent it from getting worse. There are some steps you can take to catch mice in your house, but in many cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service to get the issue sorted. It is also best to take appropriate preventative measures to stop mice from being able to get into your home in the future.
Droppings
Droppings are often the first sign people notice that there are mice in the house. Mice can leave up to 80 droppings each night, which are small, dark, and pellet-like. Mice generally stick to enclosed spaces, so you should check any nooks and crannies where they might be, such as:
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Skirting boards
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Cupboards
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Windowsills
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Countertops
If you find mouse droppings, it is essential to know how to clean them properly to prevent the spread of germs to others in your household. The CDC has a great guide on how to clean up various areas and contaminants after a mouse infestation.
Scratching
Scratching sounds coming from your walls is another common indicator of mice. Because mice are nocturnal, this may keep you up at night or make it difficult to sleep. If you notice any scratching, it is vital that you start looking for other evidence of mice and begin securing the home against these tiny furry invaders.
Tracks
If you have dusty corners in your home, this can actually be a great way to determine if you have a mouse problem – the dust will clearly show mouse tracks if they are present. As to what you do once you’ve found tracks, it is best to consider bringing in the big guns: pest control. Look for an experienced, highly-rated rodent control service like ABC Home & Commercial. They will be able to do a full assessment of the mouse issue and determine the correct next steps to take.
Damage
Mice will chew their way through softer materials like cardboard, wood and plastic, particularly if they scent food on the other side. They will also cause damage when collecting materials to make their nests. A major concern for many people with mice is that they may end up chewing through walls which allows more pests access to your home. It is vital that you patch any holes that lead outside to prevent more pests from getting into your property and store food in airtight, chew-proof containers.
The Takeaway
Mice can be tough to deal with; they are nocturnal creatures that can move at a startling speed, making them tricky to catch. There are certain telltale signs of a mouse in the house, so it is vital that you are vigilant and investigate any possible sign or sighting of a mouse. Commercial traps may be effective for one or two mice, but if your issue is more extensive, then you may need to bring in the services of a professional pest control company.
