What Are Mice?

Mice are a type of rodent and a common invader in both Dallas homes and businesses. One of the most common species is the house mouse. They have oval-shaped bodies covered in light brown or gray fur and lighter-colored underbellies. Their tails have a thin layer of fur and are about the same length or longer than their bodies. They grow to between 2-1/2 and 3-1/2 inches long, and their tail adds another 2-1/2 to 4 inches. They also have pointed noses and small ears.

House mice are prolific breeders; their gestation period is only three weeks, and they have up to 5 pups per litter. Their ability to breed quickly and hide during the day makes mice a challenging pest to eliminate.

Mice Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are mice dangerous?

Being a rodent means mice have front incisors that continuously grow throughout their lifetime. To prevent overgrowth, they constantly chew on objects. Their chewing habits are one of the reasons why mice are so dangerous. Mice chew through wires, cables, drywall, insulation, and flooring- causing expensive structural damage and even triggering fires. They also chew on and damage personal property like clothing, shoes, books, and furniture.
 
Mice contaminate food and surfaces with their urine, feces, and saliva in homes or businesses they infest. They spread diseases, bacteria, and human pathogens that cause things like salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. Also, their feces and shed fur trigger allergy attacks in some people.

Why do I have a mouse problem?

The biggest reason that mice are a problem is that they have come to rely on people for their basic needs. Mice will take advantage of any food, water, and shelter sources that we unknowingly provide them. They are usually attracted to food found in our yards that are in trashcans, compost bins, pet food bowls, bird feeders, and gardens. Once comfortable foraging for food near our homes, they will move inside to look for more food or to seek the comfort of a temperature-controlled environment in which to nest.

Where will I find mice?

Mice are often found outside living in a variety of environments, including fields, parks, along rivers, in wooded areas, in areas of overgrown vegetation, and of course in our yards. When mice move into our homes and businesses, they choose locations that are quiet and out-of-the-way to live. Mice are nocturnal and typically stay in their nesting spots during the day, emerging at night to forage for food. Typical indoor nesting areas include behind large appliances and in wall voids, crawlspaces, attics, and basements.

How do I get rid of mice?

Locally-owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of mice from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced pest control professionals provide quality rodent control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate mice from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent mice in the future?

Prevent problems with mice by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite, and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Eliminate entry points by sealing cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline.
• Place door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Put mesh covers over vents leading into your home.
• Seal spaces around air-conditioners and utilities entering into your home.
• Clean up piles of wood, leaves, and other organic debris from your yard where mice can hide.
• Trim back shrubs and trees from the exterior of your home.
• Make sure trash cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids and are stored up off of the ground.
• Remove bird feeders from your property.
• Make sure outdoor eating areas are free of food debris.
• Keep storage areas inside your home organized to provide fewer hiding spots for mice.