Mice are small animals, but they have the ability to cause big problems. The secret to total mouse control begins with understanding how they behave and how this behavior can be problematic. Once you know the basics, it is easy to understand the natural prevention tips that work to deter mice from causing trouble inside your home.
These are the points we're going to cover today. As always, if you have an urgent need for pest control in Plano, you can get immediate assistance by jumping to our contact page. With that said, let's dig into our topics.
Habits & Behaviors Of Common House Mice
While there is some variance between different types of mice, there are a few ways all pest mice behave. Here are a few you should consider:
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Mice traverse your yard by using objects in your yard. They do this because they can't see well. One of the ways they make up for their poor eyesight is by using their whiskers to feel objects around them.
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Mice use their incredible sense of smell as another way to navigate. Researchers believe that mice create a map of the odors in their environment. They'll use smells that already exist, such as garbage, compost, or dog droppings, and also lay down a scent of their own. Mice leave droplets of urine everywhere they explore.
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Mice are drawn to tiny holes because they are thigmotactic. This is a fancy way of saying that they have a strong response to touch stimuli. When they see holes, they like to squeeze into them.
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Mice eat lots of things. They eat seeds, nectar, bugs, and other natural food sources. They also eat food found in trash receptacles and dumpsters. In a pinch, they'll feed on animal waste.
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Mice have incisors that never stop growing. They file these teeth down by chewing on things.
The behavior patterns of mice can get them into trouble. Let's take a look at how this is the case.
Why Mice In Your House Can Be So Problematic
When a mouse gets inside your home, it is likely to think it has stumbled onto the most wonderful place on earth. Your home feels like spring and summer all year long. Your home offers protection from predators. It is the perfect place to raise a family. Unfortunately, mice don't live in your home without causing harm.
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As mice explore dark voids in your home, they will leave their waste in many areas to help them navigate with their sense of smell. Their waste causes contamination to occur, and this can lead to sickness.
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Mice are not only drawn to holes, they create holes. You can expect them to chew holes in baseboards, sheetrock, stored furniture, and many other things.
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Mice are always looking for food. They eat as many as 20 times a day. You can be sure that they'll explore your kitchen and pantry. In these areas, they can cause contamination.
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Mice are always chewing on things to check to see if they are food. House mice are known to chew on wires. This can lead to a house fire.
It is not good to have wild mice inside your home. There are far too many ways they can negatively impact you and your family.
Five Simple & Effective Mouse Prevention Tips For Around The House
If you are currently dealing with a mouse infestation, skip to the next section. Catching mice is often difficult and it is best to hire a licensed professional. But, if you don't have an infestation yet, here are several natural ways you can deter mice:
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Remove yard clutter. If you do this, you'll make it more difficult for mice to traverse your yard and come close to your foundation.
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Reduce food options. Mice are highly attracted to areas where seeds can be found. Remove bird feeders or move them well away from your exterior. Make sure trash bags are in covered containers and keep pet waste picked up.
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Patch holes. You can purchase a foam sealant for mice or just get a caulking gun and apply silicone caulk. Both will work to patch the holes and gaps mice will use to get into your home.
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Apply home maintenance. Make sure your weatherstripping, door sweeps, and screens are in good working condition.
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Protect the food inside your home. Put pantry and kitchen foods in sealed containers and keep your home as clean as possible.
If you take these steps, you can keep mice away. When you need to remove mice, it pays to get professional assistance.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Mice In Your Home
If you are in Plano, Texas, reach out to All-Safe Pest & Termite for rodent control. Our technicians use field-tested methods and advanced technologies to get control of mouse infestations. We can help you get mice out and keep them out.
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