Whether you hear scratching sounds behind your walls or notice gnaw marks on your belongings, discovering you have mice is unnerving. These small rodents can cause a lot of trouble when they move into a house, and they pose a significant risk to your family and the structure of your home.
Mice can be challenging to get rid of because they breed rapidly and usually nest in hard-to-reach places. If you’ve been struggling with these pests, this guide will provide the information you need to achieve successful mouse control in the Bay Area.
The first step in pest control is identifying the problem, so we’ll describe how to confirm that you have mice and not another type of rodent. We’ll also review the risks of having mice in the house and provide tips to help you prevent future encounters with these rodents. Keep reading to learn more about effective mouse control with the experts at Bay Pest.
Identifying The Common Mouse: Differentiating Mice From Other Rodents
Mice and rats are the most common culprits when you have a rodent infestation in the Bay Area. Because these pests are nocturnal and try to stay out of sight, you might get a chance to see one running away. Here are some tips to help you determine which type of rodent you are dealing with at a glance:
- House mice are less than 4 inches long, while rats grow between 6 and 9 1/2 inches.
- House mice are dusty gray with a cream color on their belly, and rats are typically brown with black intermingled.
- Mice have thin tails with hair on them, and rats have long, scaly, hairless tails.
- Mice tend to eat where they find food (such as in your pantry), and rats will be more likely to store it and eat near their nests.
- Mouse droppings are rod-shaped, between 1/8 and 1/4 an inch long, and rat droppings have a capsule shape and are between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch long.
If you need assistance identifying or eliminating pests in your home, contact us today at Bay Pest. Our expert service technicians can help you determine what species of rodent you are dealing with and the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
Why Mice Are A Problem: Health Risks And Property Damage
The diseases mice carry include leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis, making them a significant health risk. Mice can spread illnesses by contaminating your food with feces, saliva, and urine, handling them (dead or alive), or from a bite. Inhaling the dust of their feces can also trigger asthma and allergies, especially in children.
House mice often nest in and damage insulation, rip apart upholstery for nesting materials, and gnaw on anything they can get their teeth on. Mice in the walls will also chew on wires creating a potential fire hazard. Contact us today at Bay Pest for help removing house mice and protecting your home and family from their dangers.
The Importance Of Prompt Mouse Removal: Call Us Right Away!
Call us at Bay Pest immediately if you see signs of mice in the house like droppings, gnaw marks, or torn food packages. The longer mice are in your house, the higher the chance they spread an illness and damage property. Our service technicians can eliminate your mouse problem quickly and efficiently.
Bay Pest also provides services to sanitize any areas mice were infesting and remove their disease-causing droppings. We can also help repair and replace any insulation that rodents damage. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free inspection.
Preventative Measures For Mice: Keep Them Out Before They Get In
Mice are opportunistic rodents who know that they will find food, water, and shelter wherever there are people. Eliminating their access to resources can help keep mice out of the house. Here are some mouse prevention tips you can start using today:
- Seal any cracks on your home’s exterior walls larger than 1/4 of an inch.
- Inspect the foundation and repair loose mortar.
- Check that weatherstripping is intact around the basement windows.
- Keep your home clean and dry, including storage areas.
- Store your food in glass or plastic pest-proof containers.
If you need assistance with mouse removal and prevention in the Bay Area, the pros at Bay Pest are here to help. Contact us today to request a free estimate and protect your home and family from these problematic rodents.