Mice like to come out at night when they are less likely to run into people. For this reason, homeowners may never actually see them, which can make it difficult to assess the extent of your problem or to even identify what the problem is. Unless someone is familiar with mice or has dealt with the problem before, he or she may not even realize they have a problem until they begin to see mouse droppings or notice damage around the house. In the U.S., there are numerous species of mice that may cause homeowners trouble. Most notably are the common house mouse, deer mouse, and white-footed mouse. Most species of mice have a similar appearance, with pointed snouts, tiny ears, whiskers, and a scaly tail the length of the body. Some people even keep mice as pets. Different mice are more prevalent in different parts of the U.S. For instance, mice in Wilmington, North Carolina include field mice, house mice, and the white-footed mouse, which is common throughout the eastern U.S. All of these mice can be invasive and cause extensive damage to homes.
Of the above-mentioned species of mice, the common house mouse primarily lives around a human population, whether it’s outside near homes or actually in homes. This allows them to forage through homes and trash, for food and to take shelter in homes for protection against the weather. The house mouse relies heavily on people for its survival. Scraps of food that are almost undetectable by humans can be an invitation to house mice to make themselves comfortable living and breeding in your home.
The gestation period for a female house mouse is 19 to 21 days, and they can give birth to a litter of up to 14 young mice between 3 and 4 times a year. This is just a single female, so imagine how quickly the mouse population can grow in a house with several females. Mice can breed throughout the year, and mice in your home will do so frequently because of the warmth.
Problems Caused By Mice In Wilmington Home
Mice can cause damage to your home that ranges from getting into unprotected food to chewing through wires and damaging furniture. Besides the destruction they can cause in your home, mice carry diseases that are harmful to people. The house mouse, for instance, had been linked to many diseases and conditions that include Rickettsialpox, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis, and Leptospirosis. Deer mice have been linked to Hantaviruses which, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “is spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide.” Mice even carry parasites, fleas, lice, and other types of pests than can spread disease and create a completely different type of infestation in your home. This is why it is so important to be able to identify which types of mice are infesting your home. Mice urinate and leave feces in their nests, then they leave the nests behind when they become too dirty. Removing these nests without the help of professional pest control and exterminating professionals in Wilmington, North Carolina can be dangerous due to the potential spread of disease.
How to Prevent Mice In Your Home
Making your home mouse-proof is difficult. There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a mouse infestation, but keep in mind that these rodents are persistent. If there is the temptation of food and shelter and a way to invade your home, they will find a way to get inside. Here are some tips for preventing a mouse infestation:
- Fix Cracks and Holes – This is easier said than done. Mice are able to get into your home through the tiniest of openings. It’s important that you fix any possible opening in your home that will allow mice to squeeze through.
- Keep Outside Areas Clean – Don’t leave trash lying around, and be sure to seal garbage containers thoroughly. The food you throw away can attract mice to your property, and once there, they will not only take advantage of the scraps outside your home, they will begin looking for a way inside.
- Cats and Dogs – Having pets such as cats and dogs can be a deterrent for mice. Having pets isn’t a guarantee you won’t get mice in your home, but it can help keep them at bay somewhat. Cats are particularly effective because they are natural enemies of the mouse. At the very least, having a cat or two, whether indoors or out, can cut down on your rodent problem.
- Keep Your Home Clean – Keeping a clean home can help keep mice away. By this, we mean keeping food put away and sealed properly and picking up clothing, newspapers, cardboard boxes, magazines, and other items mice might find inviting for nesting or warmth. The cleaner the better. Clutter invites mice because it is essentially a playground for them.
- Mouse Traps – Mousetraps work in the sense that they will catch the occasional mouse, but they won’t completely eliminate a mouse problem. Also, baiting the mouse traps can be counterproductive because you may be drawing mice you didn’t have in your home already. While you can use mouse traps to help with your mouse problem, but professional mouse extermination is more effective.
- Store Food Properly – Perhaps one of the most important things you can do is store your food properly. Keep food sources off the floor, keep food sealed, and don’t leave food laying out. This can be difficult because even pet food left in a bowl can be an attractant for mice. The less food you have that’s easily accessible, the less likely it is that mice will be attracted to your home.
Even when you follow tips for stopping a mouse problem in your home, there is no guarantee you will prevent mice from getting in and doing damage. If you already have a mouse problem, the best course of action is a professional pest control and pest extermination. The best choice for pest control and exterminating services in Wilmington, North Carolina is Jay Taylor Exterminating Company. We have been handling pests and rodents for 75 years. Our pest extermination experts in Wilmington, NC can help rid your home of rodents and other pests and implement a pest prevention plan to keep them from coming back. If you’re looking for rodent extermination in Wilmington, North Carolina, call Jay Taylor Exterminating Company at (910) 586-3788 or fill out the form on our website to schedule an appointment. We offer fast response times, highly trained technicians, and customer satisfaction.