How The Common House Mouse Can Cause Texas-Sized Problems

Mice are tiny quiet creatures, can they cause that many problems? We'll answer some common questions that often come up regarding mice invasions. How much do you know about these little rodents and the issues they can cause? Mice are a common pest problem in Texas, but they're also a more serious problem than you might imagine. Let's get into it.

Do I have a mouse problem?

First, you may be asking how to tell if you have mice. You may find rodent droppings but are unsure if they belong to mice or another rodent, such as a rat, a squirrel, or something else. If you have a rodent problem, you'll probably start to see droppings around your counters or floors. You may also see signs of gnawing, and you will likely find one or two bags of food that have chewed through. In some cases, you may spot their nest, hidden in a dark corner of your home. At night you may hear scampering noises, and if you have pets, they may show signs that they are trying to catch the rodents.

 

But how can you tell if it's a mouse versus another rodent? Mice are little, so their droppings will also be smaller than that of a rat or a squirrel. They can grow from 2 to 4 inches long and have grey fur, long, thin tails, and large, round ears. Their snout is more triangular than a rat, and mice leave more droppings. Though rats and mice are both nocturnal, you can tell squirrels apart because they are more active during the day. Though mice and rats look relatively different, you may not be able to tell them apart if they come scurrying through your kitchen at night. If you aren't sure which rodent is living in your house, your safest option is to call professional pest control services to come out and take a look. Bill Clark Pest Control has experience identifying the correct species and creating a custom plan.

Are mice dangerous?

A female mouse can give birth to over 30 babies a year. If even a single mouse makes its home inside of your house, you could have an infestation in no time. Mice also carry diseases. Mice and other rodents have been known to carry the plague, and they can also transmit salmonella, as well as several types of dangerous fevers. When mice are in your kitchen, they will transfer bacteria to your food and cooking surfaces, putting you and your family at risk.

 

Mice can also cause damage to your property. They gnaw on almost anything and may damage wooden structures of your home. They may also get inside rarely used furniture or items in storage and build their nests there. A mouse nest can quickly ruin a chair, pillow, or blankets. They can also cause damage to your home by leaving their droppings and urine in hard-to-clean places such as corners of the attic or basement. It's safer for you and your property to eliminate mice quickly once they get inside.

How do I keep mice from coming into my house?

You can try to prevent mice from coming inside by checking for cracks or holes in the exterior of your home. You can also try to avoid an infestation early on by regularly checking secluded areas of the house, such as basements and attics, and keeping these areas clean.

How can I safely get rid of mice?

Ultimately, there’s no guarantee that mice won’t find their way inside looking for warm shelter during the winter. When you do have mice problems, contact Bill Clark Pest Control for an easy, humane solution.