Do you think you might have a mouse infestation? Here are some signs to look for and how to know if you have mice in your house…and how to get rid of them too.
1. Do You See Mouse Droppings?
When mice are around, they leave behind small, dark droppings that are typically the size of a grain of rice. Their droppings can also tell you if you have a big mouse problem or just a few rodents.
2. Can You Hear Scratching Sounds at Night?
Since they are nocturnal animals, mice are active at night. Therefore, if you hear scratching sounds in the walls or ceiling, it could be rodents crawling around.
3. Is There Evidence of Chewing?
Mice have front teeth that never stop growing. Consequently, they constantly gnaw on things to keep them trimmed. Look for signs of gnawing on wood, plastic or food packaging.
4. Are There Signs of Nest-Building?
Mice build nests in secluded areas, like is walls, attics or basements. If you notice shredded paper, insulation or other chewable material, a mouse could be building a home – in your home.
5. Do You Smell Urine or Ammonia?
Mouse urine has a strong ammonia smell. You may notice it more in smaller, enclosed spaces.
What to Do If You Have Mice…
If you suspect that mice are crawling around in your house, here’s what to do.
First, seal any potential entry points. look in your attic, basement, garage and the perimeter of your home. Also check behind appliances, cabinets, etc..
Then, seal any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation, walls and roof. Use steel wool or caulk to fill gaps around pipes, vents and other openings, and keep in mind that openings don’t have to be very big for a mouse to fit through.
Next, set humane mouse traps to catch and remove any critters who have already entered your home. Place them in areas where you notice activity. Humane traps are not only safe for animals, you can re-use them – so they won’t cost you a lot of money.
Moving forward, you want to clean up any food spills or crumbs immediately, vacuum regularly and store food in airtight containers. This makes your home less attractive to rodent visitors.
In addition, you can prevent mice from entering your home by implementing 2 more techniques. I like using these methods myself because they don’t harm the animals, they require minimal effort and they don’t cost a lot of money.
#1: Use Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice
#2: Install Ultrasonic Pest Control Units
The key is to prevent mouse problems before they happen – or resolve them quickly once you know you have mice in your house. This can help you avoid costly and time-consuming home repairs caused by a larger mouse infestation.
