When you think of pests in your attic, think MICE!
Despite your attic being target #1 by squirrels or raccoons, mice are tiny critters that can be so much more of a hassle! Mice will enter your home looking for a warm place to hide and have babies, turning a small problem into a significant infestation in a matter of weeks. You need to get rid of pests in your home ASAP!
From leaving trails of hazardous waste to chewing pretty much anything they can get their teeth on, mice can create quite a bit of damage in your home. Not only that, but mice are anything but quiet! Read on to learn why finding a mouse in your home means you want to act fast in getting rid of it.
Why a mouse might choose your house
There are a few reasons a mouse might choose to get comfortable in your home. One of the most common is because it offers a warm and safe place to hide in cold weather. Mice are timid so they look for any place that people and pets don’t frequent, making your attic or basement their prime target. Both areas usually offer a number of safe places to hide, and likely easy access to the rest of your house to find food.
Once a mouse has found a comfortable place to call home, it becomes a great place for them to build a nest and have babies. The gestational period of a mouse is only around 20 days, and each litter can include 10-12 babies. This means that your house can become overrun very quickly! So, when you spot a mouse, it’s something you want to deal with immediately.
Mice are not quiet house guests!
Usually the first sign of a mouse in your home comes when you hear them scurrying around in the attic or walls. Mice are mostly nocturnal so you’ll likely only hear them at night. Listen for them scurrying around the ceiling and walls and chewing on things like walls, baseboards and wires. If you suspect you may have a mouse problem, sit quietly for a few minutes in the area and listen closely for any scurrying, bumping, thumping, squeaking or scratching noises.
Other signs you might have a mouse in your home
Physical Evidence – From chewed up food packaging to damaged insulation, the physical signs of a mouse problem can be plenty if you keep an eye open.
Droppings – Mice leave droppings in corners, along baseboards and in cupboards. Basically, anywhere they can get into you’ll likely find droppings.
Smell – Their urine smells strongly of ammonia and will be more pungent the worse your infestation is.
Nesting Waste – Nesting sites are usually made from materials like paper, insulation and lint. If you find piles of these you will likely find nesting mice nearby.
Mice are a noisy pest you want to get rid of asap
Having mice in your home might not feel like a very big deal at first, but with the rate they procreate, it’s something you’ll want to deal with before a couple mice turn into a big infestation! Once a small mouse problem turns into an infestation, it’s often easier to call a professional to help you out.