Mice

What Do House Mice Look Like?

As one of the smallest species of mice, house mice are only two to three inches long. Their fur is typically brown or grey, but you may occasionally see black ones. Whatever their primary color, their underbellies are a shade or so lighter. Because of their larger-than-average ears, house mice are known for their keen hearing. They can also be identified by their furry tails, as it’s a noticeable variation not seen in other types of mice. 

Are House Mice Dangerous?

Don’t let the diminutive size of house mice fool you; they are dangerous nuisances. They carry ticks and fleas and spread bacteria and illness throughout your home through urine and droppings. Their urge to gnaw means they will indiscriminately bite and chew through anything, including your home’s electrical system, storage containers, and pantry goods. While not aggressive, they will bite other beings as a defensive mechanism.

How Do I Know If I Have a Problem With House Mice?

Usually, the first indicator that you have a problem with house mice is finding droppings. If mice have been busy roaming your house at night, you may wake up to find droppings on your counters or in your kitchen drawers. You may also find chewed packages of food or holes in your pantry items. Sometimes you may hear mice scurrying about between your walls or in your attic. Occasionally, you may see one running along your baseboards.

Can I Buy Mouse Traps to Solve the Problem on My Own?

DIY methods for catching mice rarely work. If you are lucky, you may catch a few mice in a sticky trap, but then you must figure out what to do with a live, entrapped mouse. Snap traps can work if you can trick mice into taking the bait. Many times, they either avoid the trap or get the bait without the trap going off. With traps you are also not addressing the problem of how mice are getting in, so others are likely to continue to be a problem, even if you catch a few.

How Do I Get Rid of House Mice?

Professional pest control is your most effective method for getting rid of house mice. Family Pest Control offers professional rodent control that includes an initial service visit where we install mouse traps in high (rodent) traffic areas. Traps are not set at this time, allowing mice to investigate traps and get used to their presence. On the follow up visit, we set traps and advise whether further action is necessary.

Does Family Pest Control Have Any Mice Prevention Tips?

Family Pest Control offers several tips for preventing mice:

• Seal holes and cracks in your home to exclude mice.
• Install door sweeps to keep pests out.
• Keep your trash tightly covered with a snug lid.
• Clean up spills, vacuum crumbs, and eliminate clutter.
• Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.