Tips for Keeping Those Critters Out!
Here in Michigan, we’ve been waiting a long time for spring to finally arrive, but now it’s finally here! Too bad humans are not the only ones who are glad that warmer weather is finally on the horizon.
Rodents, like mice, are busy preparing for breeding season. A typical female mouse can produce 5 to 10 offspring, which means a bunch of little mice to chew through cables, transmit pathogens, and generally wreak havoc on your home.
No, thank you!
While it’s a common misconception that mice are dirty (as a species, they’re actually quite clean and groom themselves often), what is true is that mice can transmit pathogens, diseases, and parasites that can do a lot of harm to humans. Whether it’s transmitting salmonella onto food or carrying ringworm, these little creatures can be far more troublesome than simply making a mess of your cupboards.
Signs to Look Out For
Thinking you might have a mouse problem? There are a handful of signs you can look for to see if you have an issue with rodents.
Check for droppings and/or the smell of urine. Mice droppings are small and dark, similar in size to peppercorns, and are one of the biggest clues that lend to the presence of mice. In addition, the smell of urine can also alert you to the presence of mice.
Gnawed holes, especially in the corners of cupboard doors and baseboards, are also something to take note of. As an animal of prey, mice tend to be timid, so check for these gnaw marks or holes in less-trafficked areas of your home.
Hearing scampering noises at night? While it’s unlikely that your house is haunted, it may be far more likely that you have rodents. The same can be said for the sudden odd behaviors of pets. If your animal begins to focus on a particular part of a room, you might want to consider checking for those gnaw marks we mentioned earlier. You may find that your furry friend is trying to alert you to the presence of mice.
I’ve Got 99 Problems and… Having Mice Might Be One
So, you’ve checked this list twice and confirmed your suspicions: you have a mice problem. Now what? Well, you have several options. The first is to be proactive. Make sure you’re keeping surfaces clean and free of food (especially in areas like the kitchen)– this includes pet food! When neither you nor your pet is eating, make sure to put away all food in well-sealed containers.
Once that is done, it’s time to close off any access points to your home that mice may be using. Because mice are small, they can fit through a hole as narrow as a dime, so sealing any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation, siding, windows, and baseboards will prevent additional pests from getting into your home (or for the same mice to be going in and out).
Then, you can set traps. Mouse traps come in a variety of options, so if you’re unsure which one is right for you, feel free to reach out to us at Presidio Pest Management. We can advise you on what types of trap you might want to consider (traps that kill versus traps that capture), where to put them in your home, and more. Getting rid of mice can be a stressful process if you’re not sure what steps to take. That’s why we’re here – to remove that stress from your shoulders and make the entire process as easy and efficient as possible.
