It’s cold outside, which means everyone is trying to stay warm. Rodents such as mice, squirrels, and rats are no exception. This winter, when friends and family gather in your home to celebrate the holidays, make sure unwanted guests don’t overstay their welcome. Schendel Pest Services has tips to avoid rodents this winter.

Signs You Have Mice

You may have mice in your home and not even know it. Mice are great hiders, and they can hide for weeks even months before you start to notice. Surefire signs you have mice are:

• You hear weird sounds or scurrying at night

• Your house has a musty smell of which you can’t quite figure out the source.

• You notice teeth marks on pantry items, cupboards, papers, and other fibers throughout the home.

• You see tiny holes and scraps of paper around your home.

• You notice droppings throughout your home. Mice poop looks like dark grains of rice. If you notice mouse droppings, DO NOT touch them, sweep them, or dispose of them in the garbage in your home. You need face protection, plastic bags, and protection for your skin. Mice poop releases harmful bacteria into the air when disturbed.

• You spot evidence or travel paths in your some such as on baseboards, down the middle of the kitchen, or along the wall. This is because of mouse highways through your home. You will notice streaking, droppings, and urine in these areas.

• Your wires and cords have chew marks on them.

• You see one. Where you see one mouse, there are likely many more. They can reproduce and infest quickly.

Tips to Avoid Mice

• To avoid mice this winter season, be proactive and call professional services.

• Store all human food, pet food, and wild bird food in airtight containers.

• Clean and vacuum often to remove crumbs and other food particles.

• Clean out your crawl space, basement and attic.

• Seal holes and cracks around your home, and inspect weather stripping and window sills.

• Inspect your home thoroughly.

• Keep garage doors closed.

• Inspect used furniture or car parts before you bring then inside.

• Use electronic or chemical mice repellents.

• Trim plants, trees and bushes away from the exterior of your home. Don’t give mice the opportunity to hide and jump.

• Set traps around your home.

• Sweep and clean your garage, mudroom, sunroom, and back room.

• Inspect decoration boxes from the attic, shed, or storage unit before you bring them inside your home.

• Call rodent professionals to help you deter mice, inspect the home for rodent activity, and control a mice infestation. Rodent professionals are also equipped with the tools and know-how to clean mouse droppings.

You need to prevent and control mice in your home. They are dangerous to your health. Mice spread diseases and can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues in your family members. Don’t risk it. Where you see one mouse, more are sure to follow if they aren’t lurking in your walls already. Stop mice in their tracks with a residential pest control plan from Schendel Pest Services.