The house mouse has become the most effective mammalian invasive species on the planet and they reproduce rapidly. One female mouse can have 5-10 litters every year with each litter consisting of 5-6 young. That can start breeding when they are just a month old and breed all year round. A pair of mice can produce hundreds of mice in one year and an infestation can get out of control in no time. Mice that live outside live for about a year, but mice that find a cozy place to live in your home can live for 2 to 3 years. It’s common for mice infestations to go unnoticed for a long time because they are nocturnal and good at hiding. Chances are you’ll see signs of an infestation before you see an actual mouse. Signs include droppings that are small and dark, an ammonia smell, grease marks on the walls or baseboards, gnaw marks, shredded material and scratching noises. If you suspect you have mice running around in your home and can’t see them, know that there are common places they like to hide.
Where Do Mice Hide?
Mouse Scratching in Attic. The attic in your home is the perfect place for mice to nest. It’s quiet and it has endless amounts of material for them to nibble on. Even though they are little, mice can cause a lot of damage. They’re good at shredding material like boxes, insulation, papers and any fabrics you may be storing up there.
Mice in Kitchen Drawers, Cabinets & More. The last place you want mice living is in your kitchen, but with all the food they can find in there, it’s a common place to find them. They can be found behind appliances because they can easily squeeze through the gaps around them. Cupboards that you may not use very often might be another place they’re hiding. You can also look for signs of mice around pipework and cables that come into your home from the outside.
Mice in the Basement. Another common place to find mice hiding is in the basement. It’s an easy entry point into you home for them because they can squeeze through brickwork and vents.
Mice in walls. Mice are smarter than you think and can figure out how to make use of any space, all while remaining undetected. These spaces include cavity walls, crawlspaces, under the stairs, suspended ceilings and the airing spaces in your cupboards. These spaces are harder to get into and you may need the help of professionals.
Mice Outside Your Home. The areas outside your home that mice can be found include garages, barns and sheds. It may be reassuring to discover they are only hiding outside your home. If you ignore the problem, it can lead to problems in the future. Allowing them to live freely, allows them to breed and they will find their way into your home eventually.
Rodent Control
A mouse infestation can have a devastating effect on your home. Do you think you have a problem with mice? Contact the professionals at Stewart Termite & Pest Control to eliminate the infestation and prevent them from coming back