Understanding Mouse Infestations in Your Home

Holes in Walls or Floors

Mice are excellent climbers and can squeeze through tiny gaps and holes to enter buildings. They typically use these holes as entry and exit points when searching for food and shelter. Look out for small holes in walls or floors as they may indicate mouse activity.

Mouse Droppings and Urine Stains

Mouse droppings are small, black pellets usually found near areas where food is stored or consumed such as kitchens and pantries. Rodent urine has a strong odor that is easily identifiable even without seeing it directly. Look out for yellowish-brown stains on floors or surfaces which could indicate rodent urine.

Tracks

Mice leave footprints behind wherever they go. Their tracks are often visible on dusty surfaces like those in attics and basements. These tracks can help you identify the location of the infestation.

Smells

Mice have a distinctive musty smell that you can easily identify in enclosed spaces like cupboards and closets. If you notice an unpleasant odor, especially near food storage areas, it could indicate an infestation.

Noises

Mice are active at night and make a variety of noises such as squeaking, gnawing, and scurrying. If you hear these sounds regularly, especially at night, you may have an infestation.

Pet Behavior

If your pet is acting unusually excited or aggressive towards certain areas of your home or workplace, it could indicate the presence of mice. Dogs and cats have keen senses of smell and hearing that allow them to detect rodents even before they become visible.

Determining the Extent of the Mouse Infestation

Finding and identifying mouse nests can give you an idea of how many mice are in your home. Here are some tips for finding nests and assessing the severity of the infestation.

Look for Shredded Paper or Fabric

Mice build their nests out of soft materials like paper, fabric, and insulation. Look for piles of shredded material in hidden areas like closets, cabinets, and drawers. These piles may be difficult to spot at first glance, but if you look closely, you may notice small bits of paper or fabric sticking out from behind other objects.

Check for Small Holes

Mice often enter homes through small holes in walls or baseboards. Once inside, they may create additional holes to move around more easily. Check your walls and baseboards carefully for signs of damage or holes that mice could use as entry points.

Inspect Dark and Quiet Areas

Mice prefer dark and quiet areas where they can build their nests undisturbed. This means that attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other secluded areas are prime locations. Use a flashlight to inspect these areas for signs of nesting activity.

Look for Droppings

Mouse droppings can give you a good idea of how many mice are in your home. If you find large amounts of droppings near a nest site, this could indicate a larger infestation than if there were only a few droppings present.

Use a Flashlight to Search for Nests

Some mouse nests may be difficult to spot without a closer look. Use a flashlight to search for nests in hard-to-reach areas like behind appliances, inside walls, and in crawl spaces. Look for small openings or gaps that mice could use as entry points.

How Many Mice is Considered an Infestation?

If you see one mouse in your house, it’s likely that there are more of them hiding somewhere. A female mouse can give birth to 6 to 10 litters per year with 5 to 6 mice in each litter. Therefore, if you see multiple mice in your house, it’s considered an infestation.

What to Do about a Mouse Infestation

If you’ve noticed signs of a mouse infestation such as droppings, gnaw marks, and shredded paper or furniture, you likely have a rodent problem. Here’s what you should do.

Seal All Possible Entry Points

Once you have confirmed that you have a mouse infestation in your house, the next step is to seal all possible entry points in walls, drawers, and holes to prevent rodents from entering your house. Mice can fit through very small gaps and holes in walls and floors, so seal them up with steel wool or caulk. Make sure there are no gaps around pipes or cables and ensure that doors do not have gaps at the bottom.

Take Immediate Action When You Find a Dead Mouse or Rat

If you find a dead mouse or rat in your home, take immediate action to avoid attracting other pests and prevent damage. Wear gloves when handling dead rodents as they may carry harmful bacteria and viruses.

To dispose of dead rodents safely:

• Pick up the dead rodent using gloves.
• Put the rodent into a plastic bag.
• Tie the bag tightly.
• Place the bag into another plastic bag.
• Tie this second bag tightly.
• Dispose of both bags in an outdoor trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

When to Hire a Pest Control Professional

If you’ve tried preventing rodent activity but still find evidence of a mouse infestation, it’s time to call in the experts. A Truly Nolen professional can help determine the extent of the problem by locating nests and entry points that may not be visible or accessible.

Removing mice from your home can be dangerous if not done correctly. Truly Nolen has the knowledge and experience to safely handle toxic chemicals and set traps without harming humans or pets.

Hiring a Truly Nolen professional can save you time and money in the long run. They can provide effective solutions tailored to your specific needs, preventing future infestations and costly damages caused by rodents.

Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand. If you suspect a mouse infestation in your home, contact Truly Nolen as soon as possible for proper assessment and removal. Remember, taking action against a mouse infestation early on is key to protecting your health and property.