MICE
What Are Mice?
Mice are small rodents found across the globe, and in regions like New Jersey the most common species encountered in homes or businesses include house mice, field mice, and white-footed mice. The type of mice infestation often depends on the location of your property. If you reside or work in an area with more open spaces near barns or sheds, field mice are more likely to invade your home or office. Mice have a rapid reproductive rate, underscoring the importance of promptly addressing infestations and eliminating mice. In comparison to rats, mice are generally smaller, with shorter and thinner tails, as well as larger ears. They typically have a smallish size and a gray coloration.
How Do I Identify Mice?
Identifying mice in your home or business can sometimes be challenging since these creatures are nocturnal and primarily active at night. If a mouse infestation has occurred in your home, you may hear sounds of movement in the walls or ceiling during the night. However, identifying an infestation in a business setting can be more difficult, as most people are not present at their place of business during the evening.
If you haven't noticed any unusual sounds, one effective way to identify mice in your home or business is by searching for mouse droppings. These are tiny pellets typically found in areas frequented by mice, such as attics, garages, basements, warehouses, and crawl spaces.
Additionally, you may observe other signs of a mouse infestation, including chewed wood or walls, tracks in areas where mice have been active, and a slight urine smell.
When it comes to identifying a white-footed mouse, look for the following characteristics:
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White fur on the underbody and legs
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Large black eyes
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Relatively long, bi-colored tail
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Light brown fur on the top of the body
White-footed mice are known carriers of diseases like Hantavirus and Lyme disease. To locate these mice, check areas that provide a source of heat, such as furnaces, water heaters, refrigerator compressors, under dishwashers, near ductwork, under ovens, hot water pipes, and in basement or attic insulations.
How Did I Get Mice?
Mice, due to their small size and resourcefulness, can infiltrate your home or business through various entry points. Common methods of mouse entry include:
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Cracks or Holes: Any gaps or openings in your walls, pipes, or foundation can serve as entry points for mice.
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Sewer Lines: Mice may even find their way into your property through sewer lines.
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Open Doors or Windows: Accidentally leaving doors or windows open can provide an opportunity for mice to enter the building.
Mice are incredibly adept at squeezing into small spaces, often much smaller than expected. They can utilize openings as tiny as a quarter of an inch, which is even smaller than a dime, as hiding spots or entryways into your property.
How Do I Prevent Mice?
The key to preventing rodent infestations in buildings is by taking proactive steps to keep mice from entering your home or business. The first crucial step in mice control and prevention is to hire a professional pest control expert to inspect your property for any openings that mice may have used to gain entry. These potential entrances can be identified and sealed to prevent rodents from getting inside. Additionally, it's important to ensure that all windows, vents, and chimneys have screens in place to further deter rodents.
Proper waste management is also vital in preventing mice infestations. It's recommended to promptly dispose of trash after use to discourage mice from lingering around your property. Storing firewood during the winter should be done at least 20 feet or more away from your home or business to discourage mice from nesting too close to your property. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of rodent infestations.