What does a mouse look like?
A mouse is a small rodent. Physical characteristics include a pointed snout, pronounced round ears, hairless tail, and clawed feet. Mice are prolific breeders. While there are over a thousand different species of mice worldwide, you only need to worry about the three varieties common to home infestations in the United States:
- House mouse(mus musculus) – grayish brown.
- Deer mouse(peromyscus maniculatus) – gray/brown/red with white belly.
- White-footed mouse(peromyscus leucopus) – larger with white feet.
All are all similar in size and weight and range between 5 and 7 inches in length. The main way to tell the three of them apart is by looking at their distinctive color patterns.
Mice are primarily nocturnal and omnivorous. In nature, they’ll eat whatever plants, leaves, stems, seeds, roots, fruits, berries, and insects they can get their paws on. If they’ve infested your home, they’ll expand that sustenance pool to anything they can find in your cupboards or trash. All varieties of mice are efficient reproducers with a single female birthing between 15 and 120 children per year. They can add up quickly!
Can mice hurt you?
A single mouse may not seem like a big deal, but it could be the start of a bigger mouse problem under your roof. A mouse infestation can cause food contamination and the spread of disease through their droppings. Their gnawing can cause extensive damage to furniture and the structure of your home. Chewed wires can lead to potential electrical fires.
Signs you have mice
You’ll know that you have mice if you see one, obviously. Other signs of mice in your home or business might include:
- Footprints and tracks left in dusty locations
- Gnawing or chew marks on furniture or in walls
- Squeaking, scratching and the sound of scurrying in walls or similar areas
- Rice sized mouse droppings
- Changes in pet behavior
- Nests
How do I prevent mice?
You have mice because they found two things: a.) a way inside our home and b.) a reliable food source.
The way mice find their way into your home is through small cracks or holes. Once they’re in, they make their nest in a quiet area and live off whatever they can scavenge.
The best ways to keep them out is by making sure all potential entrances are sealed, all nests are cleaned out, and any loose food (including pet food) is stored away in airtight containers.
How will Gregory Pest stop my mouse problem?
When you call Gregory Pest about your pest problem, we send a technician out to your home or business to identify what kind of mice you have and how they’re getting in.
Once we’ve determined the variety of mouse that’s made its nest, we’ll work to remove it. We will find the nests, clean the debris, and implement a plan to eliminate further infestation in the future. Our methods are thorough and environmentally safe for you, your pets, and the environment you live in. Don’t let a small mouse cause a big problem, call us today.
Mouse FAQ
Can mice climb?
Yes. Mice are excellent climbers. They can climb up bricks, bushes or trees to get into your home in areas you might not expect. They’re also powerful jumpers.
How high can mice jump?
A standing mouse can jump up to a foot. A mouse with a running start can jump as high as two feet. Keep this in mind when they get into your pantry and other areas.
What attracts mice?
Mice are attracted to safe, quiet spaces with a reliable food source nearby. Basements, attics and in between walls are likely destinations. In the fall, they will seek shelter indoors vs burrowing for the winter.
What should I do about mice in walls?
Getting mice, especially babies, out of your walls can be tricky. This is where a pest control professional with a comprehensive pest strategy can be a huge benefit.
How long does it take for a mouse to decompose?
Mice that die in your walls from poison or other means can leave a lingering odor. In warmer weather it may take two weeks for a mouse to decompose; in cold weather it may take closer to three weeks.
How long does it take for mice to have babies?
Once pregnant, a female mouse will deliver her pups in about 20 days. She will be able to become pregnant again the day after giving birth and will have between 5-10 litters in a year. If you have a mouse move in, it could turn into many quickly!
How long can a mouse live without food?
Mice are small but frequent eaters. They can only go 2-4 days without food. Before you think it’s easy to starve them out, consider that they may have food cached or go outside to forage.
Do mice carry fleas?
Yes. Besides being a nuisance unto themselves, mice can also infest your home with fleas and mites.
Where can I get help with mice?
Whatever you need, Gregory Pest Solutions has you covered. Call us for whatever pest prevention assistance you need. We can help remove current infestations, prevent future ones, and develop implementable exclusion plans. Our range of service extends throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. Specialized services are also available partnering states.
If you live in the east-central or southeastern United States, Gregory Pest Solutions and our expert pest control technicians are only a call away.