Mice usually invade homes in the fall between October and February. They look for shelter from the cold and food – two things your house can provide. But there’s more to these rodents than eating cheese and stealing your crumbs. Mice can be dangerous for your family, and they’re especially difficult to keep out of homes. Here are a few facts to help you learn about about these critters and how to know if they’ve made themselves your roommates:
- Mice spread diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus. They can carry as many as 200 human pathogens and they spread these pathogens through fecal droppings and urine.
- They multiply quickly – a female mouse can have up to 12 babies every three weeks.
- They can slip through a hole the size of a dime. Even if you think your house is sealed, they will find any nook or cranny possible to get inside.
- A mouse’s tail is usually as long as its body
- Mice have extremely strong teeth – they often bite their way through objects in their path.
- Most mice can jump up to 1.5 feet in the air
- They can communicate with each other through smells
- They’ll create an entire little world within your house – without your consent. Mice will designate certain areas of their burrow for food, sleeping, and even a restroom.
- They can live up to 2 years in protected environments
- Mice eat between 15 and 20 times a day, so they build homes nearby their food source – or, rather, your food source.
Typical signs of a mouse infestation include foul smells, scratching or gnawing sounds, chewing marks, small footprints/tracks, and more. Be on the lookout this fall; if you come across any of these warning signs in your home give us a call! We’ll come out and inspect your home for free!