How to Keep House Mice Away in Deptford, NJ; Identification, Diet, Signs of Infestation & More
One of the most common species of mice found invading homes in South New Jersey is the House Mouse. House mice are found all over the world and are believed to have originated in Central Asia. The house mouse can adapt to any climate and they reproduce very quickly. House mice are not just a nuisance. They can cause major damage and spread diseases. House mice are known to harbor a number of diseases including salmonellosis which they spread by contamination. To keep your home safe from house mice, Ross Environmental Solutions will share show to identify house mice, provide the early signs of an invasion, and what to do to treat and prevent an infestation.
House Mice Identification Guide
House mice are found worldwide and are very adaptable to new surroundings. House mice are a dusty gray or dark brown color with a white or yellowish colored underbelly. They can range from 2 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long. This does not include their tail which can add another 2 to 4 inches. House mice have a roundish shaped body and a pointed muzzle. Another trait of the house mouse is their large semi-hairy ears and their big black eyes. The house mice female can reproduce every three weeks and have up to a dozen pups or less each time. In one year, a single female can have anywhere from 35 to over hundred pups. However, many pups don’t live to adulthood.
What Do House Mice Eat?
House mice like to eat grains and cereals and are often found in the pantry, chewing their way through cereal boxes and other goods. However, house mice are not picky eater and will also eat anything inside a home including pet food, toothpaste and any other stored goods. House mice may often stay outdoors during the warmer seasons but will begin invading homes as the days begin to cool. Now is the time to begin preparations in your home to ensure proper defense.
How to Keep Mice Away
When preventing mice you will want to start early. Start outside your home. Look for wholes or gaps along the walls, windows and door frames. Mice can fit easily through a hole as small as a dime. Seal any openings with a strong material such as silicone caulking or even a concrete pudding mix. Cover all exterior ventilation with a metal screen mesh to keep them out. Next, keep the outside, including the garage, clean. Mice can use clutter to hide in and slowly make their way into your home. Keep the inside of the home clean, free of crumbs, and left over food. All food, including pet food and pantry goods, should be stored in air tight containers, preferably metal containers.
Sign of Mice Infestation
Some signs of a rodent or mice infestation often starts with a few gnaw marks that can be found almost anywhere inside or outside the home. Where you may not see mice, you often see their droppings, especially along travel paths or feeding sites. You may even discover trails or tracks along dusty surfaces. You can also find rubbed markings along their traveling paths or runways. Mice can also create bad odors as their urine has a strong scent which they use to communicate with other mice. Lastly, you will see damaged goods or even the mice themselves.
Rodent Control
If you need help protecting your home from mice or have signs of a rodent infestation and need professional help, contact Ross Environmental Solutions today.