Mice may be common household pests, but that doesn't mean you want to find them in your home. The best way to keep your house mouse-free is by working with experienced pest control in Maine. But you still need to know how to figure out if you have an infestation and why having mice in your home is so problematic. Here's what your trusted mouse exterminators want you to know.
Signs Of A Mouse Infestation: How To Spot Them Early
The earlier you can spot a mouse infestation, the better off you'll be. Luckily, these rodents leave behind signs that are easy to spot long before they take over your home.
Here are a few key signs to watch for:
- Gnaw marks: Mice tend to gnaw on surfaces like furniture, countertops, and cabinets. Look for gnaw marks around your house. These marks can be rough or smooth.
- Droppings: Mouse droppings measure from 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch and are usually rod-shaped with pointed or tapered ends. When they're fresh, they'll be soft.
- Rub marks: Mice tend to have oily fur, and that oil can rub off on your walls where they travel. If you notice an oily residue in your home but can't quickly identify the source, you likely have a mouse problem.
- Odd smells: Mouse urine tends to have a strong odor, and mice often pee to communicate with each other. If you smell urine in your house, you may have mice.
- Damaged food: Mice invade homes in search of food. If you notice that your cereal boxes have holes in them or see torn-open packages in your pantry, you may have a mouse problem.
These are just a few key signs to watch for. If you notice even one, search for mouse exterminators near you as soon as possible. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the better off your home will be.
Why Mice Are A Problem: Health Risks And Property Damage
Mice may look cute, but any mouse removal specialist will tell you they pose a serious threat to your health and your home's safety. Mice can damage your furniture, ruin your food, and chew through just about anything they can sink their teeth into. But they're also known to spread diseases.
These diseases include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Salmonellosis
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
The only way to adequately prevent those diseases is by scheduling a mouse extermination appointment as soon as you notice a single sign of their presence.
Preventative Measures For Mice: Keep Them Out Before They Get In
Though professional treatments with experienced Maine mouse exterminators are the best way to get rid of mice already in your home, there are some things you can do to keep them from getting inside in the first place.
Here are a few tips to help:
- Seal any cracks around your home as soon as you notice them.
- Fix weatherstripping around your doors and repair seals along your windows and basement area.
- Take the trash out regularly.
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Store your food in airtight containers.
Follow these tips, and you'll reduce your risk of infestations in the future!
The Importance Of Prompt Mouse Removal: Call Us Right Away!
Mice can damage your home and put your health at risk. If you think you have a mouse problem or have seen a live mouse on your property, don't ignore it. Mice can breed quickly, and if they have the opportunity, they'll happily set up burrows in your home.
Contact the experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions for help with mice and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Maine.