Top 3 Warning Signs You Have Mice In Your Home

Mice issues tend to be seasonal, with winter and fall being the worst, but mice issues can still happen all year. This post covers the top three warning signs you have mice in your home.

Look for Mouse Droppings and Smell of Urine

If you suspect you may have mice in your home, the first thing to look for is droppings from these pests. The droppings may be out in the open, hiding under appliances, in food storage areas, or near water sources. Mouse droppings can appear very similar to rice grains but vary in color from black to brown and, if it’s very old, even gray. The size of these droppings can range from three-sixteenths of an inch up to a fourth of an inch in length.

It is also possible you have a rat issue in your home if you are finding droppings, but their similar droppings are much larger in size. Often, these mouse droppings don’t smell, but mice can leave anywhere from 50 to 75 pellets a day around your home.

When you find mouse droppings, be careful while handling them and use gloves, as these droppings can carry a lot of harmful bacteria and diseases. Also, remember that depending on various factors, sweeping or vacuuming them up could also spread the bacteria around your home.

On top of that, mice will also urinate around your home. Unfortunately, mouse urine does often smell very bad. Mice will urinate in places similar to where you may find droppings, but they can also urinate between your walls and in other hidden areas of your home. Mouse urine has a strong ammonia smell, and typically, if you are smelling mouse urine around your home, there is usually more than one mouse to blame.

Look for Gnaw Marks and Holes

Mice are known for gnawing and chewing on various things throughout your home. Mice often chew on things like walls, wood furniture, and even wires in your home. This could lead to very dangerous issues hidden in your walls. Frayed wires can cause fires in your home, so getting rid of mice before that happens is very important.

Mice also can chew holes in your walls to get to hidden places where they can build their nests. In addition to these gnaw marks and holes, you may find damaged or shredded papers, cardboard, clothing, or other similar materials around your home. Mice and rodents like to build their nests from these soft materials, and when you find these things damaged around your home, it could be a clear sign that there are mice in your home.

Listen for Scampering and Gnawing Noises

Hearing the pitter-patter of little feet is excellent when they are from your kids or grandkids, but hearing them from mice is another story. This is another common warning sign you have mice in your home. Mice are skittish and tend to hide out of sight when humans are around, but you’ll often hear them before you see them. Since mice like to hide, you might hear these noises more actively at night or from odd places around your home.

Mice often hide in walls and attics away from humans, so you might hear scampering and gnawing noises from your walls. As we stated above, mice like to nibble, scratch, and chew things around your home, so you might hear that before you see an actual mouse.

To prevent mice in your home, we recommend sealing off entry points, sealing food sources, and proper sanitation. Eliminating mice getting in and reducing or eliminating food sources can keep mice out of your home.

Take Action Against a Mice Infestation With Rove Pest Control Services

However, once there is a mouse issue in your home, it can be very difficult to get rid of on your own. Mice breed incredibly fast, and one or two mice can quickly turn into dozens. Trapping and removing mice can also be challenging, so if you do find mice in your home, we recommend contacting a pest control service to eliminate the issue before it gets out of hand.

If you notice any of the above signs, taking action quickly is important to prevent a full-blown infestation. Mice can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks due to the bacteria and diseases they carry. While sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and eliminating food sources can help prevent future problems, it’s best to seek professional help once you have a mouse issue. Contact Rove Pest Control to help you effectively eliminate the issue and protect your home from further damage.