Stuart Little may be cute on the big screen, but seeing a live mouse in the home is enough to send most people running in the opposite direction!
Mice are some of the most common household pests in the United States, with nearly 14.8 million people reporting seeing rodents in their homes, according to the Census Bureau. Dealing with a mouse infestation can not only be extremely distressing, but these rodents can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Keep reading to learn about the telltale signs of a mouse infestation and when to call an exterminator for rodent control.
Signs of a Mouse Infestation
1. Droppings
Seeing droppings around your home is a telltale sign of a mouse infestation. Mouse droppings can be easily mistaken for cockroach or rat droppings, so identifying them is imperative to treat the problem.
Mouse droppings are small, dark brown or black granular pellets that can resemble a grain of rice. They are commonly found in and around kitchen cabinets, appliances, food storage areas, and crawl spaces.
2. Mouse Sightings
Even if you have just seen one mouse in your home, it could indicate a larger infestation. Mice often hide between walls, behind furniture, and in other areas of your home where they will likely not be disturbed. If you spot a mouse in your home, you must call an exterminator right away to have your home inspected and treated.
3. Gnaw Marks on Drywall and Food Packaging
Bite marks on drywall and food packaging are another sign that you may have a mouse infestation in your home. Mice are known to chew through drywall, wood, plaster, and other building materials, as well as food packaging if they’re hungry.
4. Odor
If there are dead mice in your home, you may begin to smell a strange and off-putting odor. Dead mice typically give off a pungent odor that can be described as a mix between urine and decay. You may notice this smell near places mice would typically hide, such as cabinets and other tight spaces in the home.
5. Mouse Nest
When building nests indoors, mice will typically seek areas that are left undisturbed, such as holes in walls, unused cabinets, and in the back of closets. Mouse nests are made of piles of junk, such as paper shreds or wood chips, and are usually dome-shaped with one exit hole.
Are Mice Dangerous?
While mice are not dangerous to humans for their bite or sting, the diseases they carry can pose a lot of health risks to those who encounter them.
Some of the diseases mice carry include:
- HPS
- Leptospirosis
- Plague
- Typhus
Aside from potentially transmitting diseases to you and your loved ones, mice can also cause a lot of damage to your home through gnawing and nest-building.
DIY Mice Removal Methods
Traps
Using mouse traps is an effective and inexpensive way to remove mice from your home, and there are several options. Old-fashioned metal mouse traps often get the job done but are regarded as inhumane and brutal. Catch-and-release mouse traps are more humane and allow you to safely remove mice from your home and release them into the wild.
Baits
Mouse bait works by luring mice out of their hiding places and getting into their bloodstream to kill them instantly. Mouse bait acts as an anticoagulant, meaning it reduces the blood’s ability to clot and causes the exposed mouse to bleed internally and die.
Repellents
Using a mouse repellent is another effective way to keep these rodents out of your home. You can purchase several different spray repellents, but if you prefer to go the more natural route, essential oils like peppermint, lemon, and citronella are known to deter mice.
When Should You Call an Exterminator?
You should call an exterminator at the first sign of a mouse infestation, whether you have only seen droppings or have spotted a live mouse in your home. A pest control company will be able to inspect your home to determine if there is an active mouse infestation and then come up with a plan of action.
The next time you’re dealing with rodents in Maryland, be sure to contact the experts at Pest Czar. We offer affordable rodent inspection and control services, guaranteed to knock out an infestation in no time. Contact us today online or over the phone at (443) 377-3365 for a free quote.
FAQs
How much does mouse removal cost?
The cost of pest control you can expect to pay for mouse removal depends on the size of the infestation. For a more average-sized infestation, the cost can range from $200-$600, while a larger or more difficult infestation can cost upwards of $1,000.
How many mice are considered an infestation?
While it can be hard to determine how many mice are in your home, it only takes one male and one female mouse to start an infestation. A mouse nest typically houses between a dozen to two dozen mice, so you can typically expect to have about that many mice during an active infestation.
How do you know when mice are gone?
One of the biggest indicators that no active mice are living in your home is a lack of new droppings. Older droppings will be hard and dry, while new droppings will be moist and fresh. So if time passes and you don’t see any new droppings, you are most likely in the clear.