When you go to bring down those old Christmas decorations that have been in a box for most of the year, you might notice some dark dots on the décor and wonder what caused them. These markings could likely be from mouse droppings as mice are frequent pest invaders during the wintertime.
When trying to enjoy the holiday season, having a pest infestation can ruin the fun. While many pests invade area homes during the winter, mice are some of the most common. In fact, many homes will deal with a mouse infestation at one point or another, and there are also many questions that homeowners have about these rodents.
Common House Mice
Mice are small rodents that reach up to about five inches long, including their tails. They have brown-grey fur and long, skinny tails, and their ears and eyes are relatively large in proportion to their bodies. Despite their small size, they can cause many problems, including property damage and health concerns.
In fact, local mice can spread a variety of illnesses including hantavirus and salmonellosis, and even their fur, droppings, and urine can lead to respiratory problems.
In this guide, you’ll learn what you can do to keep these dangerous pests away.
What Are Some Common Mice Behaviors?
Many people have questions about mouse behavior and what they can do. Some of the most common inquiries include whether or not mice can climb, and the truth is that they are great climbers. They can jump, too, and reach heights of up to a foot. They are able to scale walls that are over a foot high, even if they are entirely smooth.
Another question many have about mice is whether they can see in the dark. While mice are often found scurrying around in dark places such as inside of walls, they have rather poor vision in general. They can’t see in the dark, but they use other senses, especially smell, to get around and to find food.
How Can You Keep Mice Out Of Your Home?
The main reason mice enter a home is because they are looking for shelter, food, and water. They are also rather used to and even dependent on humans, so it can be difficult to deter them. However, there are still some effective ways to make mouse infestations less likely, such as:
- Removing excess moisture from the property by using dehumidifiers
- Repairing cracks in the walls and foundation using steel wool and other products that mice can’t chew through
- Cleaning your kitchen often and making sure to do the dishes and keep floors mopped
- Covering vents and other small entrances into the house with wire mesh
- Getting lids for all trash cans
- Contacting residential pest control experts for year-round protection
How Do You Remove Mice From The Home?
If you see one mouse, the chances that there are many more around are high. Mice are difficult to remove because they are so prolific and excellent at hiding, so the easiest way to handle these rodents is with assistance from Action Pest Control.
We will remove any current mouse infestations, so you don’t have to deal with them during the holidays. Just give us a call today to request a quote and get started.