Mouse Facts and Tips
Do you suspect you might have a mouse infestation? Then you probably have questions. The mouse
control experts at Schendel Pest Services have answers.
Since 1947, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses solve mouse problems. These mouse facts and tips are intended to help you get more information on the problem so you can make an informed decision on what to do next. If you don’t see your question here, give us a call! Our friendly experts are ready to help.
What are mice?
Thanks to cartoon shows you might have watched as a kid, mice have surprisingly good reputations, but in reality, a mouse in your house is a serious problem. Mice are pests that like to come into homes and businesses uninvited, help themselves to food, and contaminate areas with a variety of dangerous bacteria.
Mice often enter homes and businesses in the fall when the weather begins to cool, searching for a place to live, feed, and nest in during the winter. They prefer quiet, undisturbed areas, such as closets, storage areas, and wall voids. They pick natural trails to follow, such as girders, heating and electrical lines, and utility runs.
The most common types of mice in our area include the house mouse, deer mouse, and white-footed mouse.
House mouse characteristics:
- 5 – 8” from nose to tail. Tail is approximately the same length as its body
- Light brown to dark gray with a lighter underbelly
- Tails are long and thin and covered in fine hair
Deer mouse characteristics:
- 2 – 4” from nose to tail; tail is about the same length as its body
- Tan upper body with a white underbelly
- Hind legs are more prominent than their forelegs
White-footed mouse characteristics:
- Dusky brown upper body with a white belly and feet
- Up to 7” long from nose to tail; tail is significantly shorter than its body
What are the dangers of mice?
Known for destroying property and spreading disease-causing pathogens, mice can be a major issue for your home or business.
- Carry a variety of diseases that they can transmit to people including Salmonellosis, Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and lymphocytic diseases.
- Can introduce parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites.
- Causes structural damage through gnawing. They can chew through wires, pipes, drywall, and insulation, all of which can lead to fire and water damage.
- They can also contaminate your food, food prep areas, personal belongings, and inventory with their urine and feces as they travel and forage for food throughout your property.
Helpful Mouse Tips and Tricks
Are there ways to prevent a mouse infestation?
Preventing mice infestations can be difficult. They are very adept at entering into homes and businesses through very small spaces, some only the diameter of a pencil. There are however some easy steps that you can take around your home or business to help deter these pesky pests.
15 Tips for Mouse Prevention:
- Seal any cracks or crevices found in your home or facility’s foundation. Use rodent-proof materials such as hardware cloth, aluminum
- flashing, aluminum screening, or concrete to seal all exterior holes and openings.
- Remember to seal areas around where utilities enter your building.
- Caulk gaps around exterior doors and windows.
- Make sure your chimney has a tight-fitting cap on it.
- Place ¼” wire mesh screens over all exterior ventilation openings.
- Be sure to install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Trim back trees and bushes so mice cannot use the branches to gain easy access to your building. Store firewood and unused equipment away from the building.
- Keep garage doors, shed doors, and other outbuildings shut.
- Make sure that trash stored outside is kept in receptacles with tight-fitting lids away from the outside of your building.
- Repair leaky faucets, pipes, or fixtures so mice don’t have easy access to water.
- Do not leave food sitting out on counters.
- Wash and put away dirty dishes – don’t leave them in the sink overnight.
- Keeping storage areas clutter-free.
- Stored food items should be kept in plastic containers with lids rather than cardboard boxes.
How can I get rid of mice?
The best way to get rid of a mouse infestation is with the help of a professional. Our rodent control experts can easily identify what species is causing the damage to your property and quickly implement a custom treatment plan. At Schendel, we offer our Premium Care home pest control program that will help eliminate mice and much more!
The Premium Care program includes:
- A detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home
- Targeted treatment of all areas where activity is present.
- After the initial treatment, follow-up services will be scheduled that include quarterly interior/exterior or exterior-only service visits.
- With our PestZero guarantee, you can sleep soundly at night knowing if pests return in between visits, Schendel returns for free!
To get a free estimate on mouse control for your home, give us a call today!
Helpful Mouse Articles
How To Get Rid Of Mice From Your Home Or Business
The Dangers Of Rodent Infestations
Why You Need To Call The Professionals For Rodent Problems In Topeka
Commercial Mouse Control for Your Business
We also have commercial pest control services that are specifically geared to your industry. With these customized services, we can eliminate any current mouse problems you’re having and help you maintain a pest-free facility. With Schendel’s experts on your side, your business, its reputation, and your profits will be safe from mice and other pests!
