If you're a homeowner in the Midwest, chances are you'll have to deal with a mouse infestation at some point. Here are five things you need to know about these pesky creatures:
1. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings.
It may surprise most homeowners, but mice are surprisingly adept at squeezing through tight spaces. In the wild, the mice need to be able to fit into tiny crevasses to avoid predators, so they have evolved to become experts at contorting their bodies into even the smallest of passageways. Mice can squeeze through something as small as a dime and enter your home instantly!
2. Mice reproduce quickly.
Mice breed at an impressive rate. Their gestation period is typically only 20 days, and they can reach sexual maturity in as little as 6 weeks. Furthermore, the average female mouse can give birth to up to 10 litters per year, with each litter containing 5 to 8 young. All these factors can allow a mouse infestation to get out of hand fast.
3. Mice can spread diseases — clean up any droppings you find.
Rodent droppings, such as those left by mice, can carry numerous diseases (like hantavirus) and cause serious health issues if they are not correctly cleaned up. Make sure to clean mouse droppings right away to protect yourself and your family from potential contamination.
4. You may not see mice during the day, but they're most active at night.
You may think you don't have mice in your home, but they may be lurking around in the shadows. That's because these enigmatic pests are most active at night, when the moon is high, and there is less disruption from people. While humans are fast asleep and unable to spot them, mice explore our homes and look for food sources.
5. Mice can cause damage to your home's wiring and other structural elements.
Mice are a common cause of structural damage to homes and buildings, often chewing on wires and other vulnerable materials, like drywall and insulation. Not only is this destruction costly — it can also be dangerous. Mice can be responsible for sparking electrical fires.
Further Reading: What to Expect From Mouse Control
Mouse Control Services
Mice may seem harmless, but they can cause severe damage to your home - and spread diseases. If you think you have a mouse problem, take action immediately by sealing up food sources and calling a pest control professional. At Spidexx Pest Control, we understand that every pest issue is unique, which is why we tailor our plans to your needs.
Call us at (855) 925-3550 or fill out our online form today to get started on your custom plan.