Mouse in the House!

Seeing a mouse scurry across the floor in your home can be very off-putting. Not only can it be startling to see a critter where it shouldn't be, but also there are the worries about disease spreading, contamination of food, building of nests, and the fear of damage caused by gnawing on wires. The initial screams of, There's a mouse in the house!!! often evolve into worry about these issues. Here are some of the signs and problems associated with finding a mouse in your house and what you can do about it. Signs of Mice: While seeing a mouse may be your first indication that you have a rodent problem, there are usually signs long before a sighting may occur. Look for the following red flags that there may be mice in your house.

• Mice droppings - these small black droppings are about 1/4 - 1/8 inch with pointed end or ends.
• Food scraps left around where they would not normally be.
• Gnaw marks or holes on food items.
• Rodent hairs that are coarse.
• Grease marks from mice or rats running or scurrying across the same areas over and over.
• An odor that cannot be explained.
• A nest of papers, straw, or other household items found in a dark, out-of-the-way area.

The Problem with Mice: It may seem like an odd thing to think about but many homeowners often say, But it is only one mouse. One mouse can be a problem. Here is why. . .

• The reproduction rates of female mice is an alarmingly fast cycle. One female mouse can breed up to 10 litters of 5 to 6 young. These 60 offspring can then begin to reproduce themselves in as little as six weeks. So within months, you could have a huge population of mice. So think of one mouse as the potential of being many, many mice.
• Rodents such as mice can harbor a wide range of parasites such as mites and ticks that carry lethal pathogens. Even without parasites, rodents can directly transmit deadly germs excreted in their urine and feces. In the last century alone, rodents such as mice and rats have caused the deaths of 10 million people.
• Since mice are always on the hunt for food, they often contaminate food and kitchen surfaces with urine and droppings.
• Damage from mice on the structure and electrical wiring of homes is well documented. If a mouse happens to gnaw on electrical wires in your attic or crawl spaces, you may be looking at an electrical fire. In addition, extensive damage to structures, furniture, and personal belongings can occur due to constant gnawing.

If you have a mouse problem, call Pest-End Exterminators at Toll-Free: 800-287-4321 Phone: 603-382-9644 Phone: 978-794-4321.