Having a mouse infestation is one of the most unpleasant household nuances, and it’s very important to know how to properly treat it to prevent it from happening again.
Sharing advice on their blog, pest experts at Archers Pest Control said: “Mice are known to spread many nasty diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria- to humans through their urine, faeces, and bedding.
“As they scurry around, they carry bacteria and dirt with them, transferring them directly to your countertops, cupboards and anywhere else they travel.”
Their propensity for chewing through wires also poses a real threat of fire.
The issue is that mice are nocturnal, so it’s rare to see them. However, they do leave many signs indicating that you may have a mouse problem.
Mouse droppings—black, rice-shaped pellets—top the list of telltale indicators. They are typically found near walls, baseboards, or holes around floor level.
Additionally, you might see gnaw marks on your furniture. The Archers Pest Control team warned that a common sign of a mouse infestation is noticing odd odours where mice might be nesting.
“Mice have very oily fur so one of the things to look for is smear marks along the walls and skirting boards of your property. Also, keep a nose for any odd odours. Mouse urine and droppings leave behind a very strong scent”, they said.
It’s not good enough to look only at surface-level damage. You should also check underneath cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom and behind appliances such as fridges, stoves, and washing machines.
The good news is that mice will never travel further than 10 to 30 feet from their nest, so tackling hotspots is easier than you may think.
Mice have a reputation for wriggling into the tiniest spaces, and experts point out that they need as little as a quarter-inch gap to invade a home.
Specialists recommend sealing all entry points so new mice can’t enter your home. Look for cracks in your home’s foundation, wall openings, and gaps between your door and floor because mice frequently squeeze underneath doors.
Always check for cracks, crevices, or voids around plumbing and vents that mice can use to get in and ensure windows and doors are closing properly.
Checking the voids around plumbing and vents. Mice can enter holes as small as a ballpen.
With a penchant for human sustenance, rodents are not fussy eaters.
To combat this, they urge homeowners to keep their homes clean, store food securely, and consider boxes or live traps for those looking for humane solutions.
House Method experts recommended: “Plastic or metal box traps are designed to catch mice without harming them. Typically, you place a bait, such as peanut butter, in the box trap, set it, and wait for a mouse to be caught.”
Once caught, you must relocate the mouse at least a mile from your home to prevent it from returning to your property.”
This trap is better suited for the occasional mouse that finds its way into your home rather than a large infestation.
