In 2021, about 14.8 million American homeowners saw rodents such as mice and rats around their households. Mice might seem cute with their big ears and little paws, but most homeowners don’t want to deal with the consequences of mouse infestations.
Contrary to popular belief, mice will go beyond nibbling on your cereal to enjoying your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Although mice hang out in farms, forests, and cities, they tend to make their homes around humans in the country and cities. But what signs of mice infestations do you look for?
Keep reading below to learn everything you need about spotting pesky mice problems in your residence.
Visible Rodent Droppings
Rodent droppings are small, dark brown pellets left behind when mice or rats urinate or defecate. They are found in areas where mice or rats travel, such as behind appliances, in cupboards, or under sink cabinets. Make sure to get rid of food or water exposed to rodent droppings, as they can cause various diseases.
It’s best to call a professional to get rid of mice as they can do a thorough extermination. Check out reynoldspest.com to learn more about mice removal and how to prevent a more severe rodent problem later on.
Gnaw Marks on Wood and Plastic
Mice leave behind gnaw marks on wood and plastic when looking for food or nesting materials. These marks are usually minor and have a jagged appearance.
The sharp incisors produce these marks on the front of the mice’s mouths. They can also be small and hard to see, or they can be large and easily noticed. The marks’ size depends on the mouse’s size and the type of material they are gnawing on.
Smelling Foul Odor
If you have a pet, you may notice them acting strangely around a particular area or smelling a foul odor. Mice in houses can cause a foul odor for a few reasons.
When they urinate, it can leave an ammonia-like smell. Their corpses can create a detectable stink if they die inside walls or other inaccessible areas. Mice also like to nibble on various food items, which can attract different pests, like bugs, that also add to the unpleasant smell.
Seeing Nests
Mice are small, agile creatures that can squeeze into tight spaces. It makes it easy for them to find their way into homes through cracks and crevices. Once inside, they will build their nests from any available materials, including insulation, paper, and even cloth.
Scratching Noises
Mice are known to cause damage to homes by chewing on wires and insulation, but they can also be a nuisance by running around and scratching surfaces. Pay attention to any scratching noises from walls, floors, or ceilings, as this is often one of the first indicators of a mouse problem.
Grease Marks
Grease marks are smears of oil and dirt that mice leave behind as they travel along walls and baseboards. These marks are usually dark brown or black.
Take Care of the Signs of Mice Infestation Right Away
If you think you may have mice in your home, look for small brown or black droppings, gnawed food packaging, grease marks along walls, or tunnels in insulation. Mice are active at night, so you may hear them scratching inside walls or running around. If you see any of these signs of mice, call a pest control professional for proper mice removal.
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