The common house mouse is one of the most frequent pest invaders across the country, and despite their small size, they are a huge problem for residents. Would you ever think that a mouse was capable of destroying homes? While mice might be tiny rodents that make good pets when domesticated, wild mice in the area are dangerous and destructive.
Mice are adaptable and depend on humans for their survival. These factors mean you need to be proactive about Bay Area rodent control. Our experts at Bay Pest Solutions Inc have tips and tricks to help you keep these rodents out.
How Are Mice Getting In My House?
Mice seem to appear out of nowhere. You might start seeing a few around and then notice more and more. But, this is because mice have already been infesting your home for a while. Mice aren't easy to identify as they are sneaky and nocturnal, so most people only see them after the infestation has grown.
One of the best ways to prevent mice is to know how they get inside in the first place. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime, so they often fit through tiny cracks in the walls and foundation or openings around vent and pipe openings. They can also chew through many materials, including plaster, plastic, wires, drywall, and pipes, making it difficult to deter them completely.
What Attracts Mice?
Mice are widespread because of the relationship they have with humans. While wild mice are only a negative for us, we are great for them. We provide shelter, food, and water, so mice tend to follow human settlements across the globe.
While Bay Area mice can invade practically any property, they are attracted to homes and apartments with easy access to food sources and ample humidity. You can help reduce these factors by following a few rodent prevention tips:
- Store pet food inside in sealed containers.
- Use steel wool or metal plating to seal holes in the walls and foundation.
- Clean up your kitchen regularly.
- Cover vents and chimneys.
- Fix leaky plumbing to reduce moisture.
- Remove standing water from around the yard and ensure rainwater can drain.
But, if you're already dealing with a mouse problem, the best way to remove them is with help from Bay Area pest control professionals.
How Long Do Mice Live For?
Mice have relatively short lives. Depending on conditions and access to food and water, mice live between 12 and 18 months. While they might not have a long lifespan, they are prolific. The number of mice around your home can grow exponentially as just one female mouse can produce up to 90 pups.
Mice tend to live longer when they establish themselves in a residence. Our homes, apartments, and condos provide all the resources they need to survive and breed. So, the mice infestation will keep growing as they replace their numbers and then some.
How Do I Get Rid Of The Mice In My Walls?
When mice invade, they bring many health risks such as allergies and diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. These rodents also damage homes as they chew through many items in your home.
It's not a good idea to get rid of mice independently as they are invasive, and most over-the-counter options like bait and traps only work to an extent. Instead, let the Bay Pest Solution Inc team help. Call us today to request an inspection or learn more about our home pest control plans.