Our Pest Library

Having pests? Learn more about the type of pest you have and how to protect from them.

Domestic Mouse

Domestic Mouse

Pest Library

Domestic Mouse - Characteristic

The house mouse is a small furry mammal, having a small pointed snout, rounded ears and hairy tail. The adult domestic mouse can reach up to 3-4 inches in length. Their weight is typically 40-50 gr and their colour may vary from grey and light brown to black. These species can jump vertically up to 18 inches. You can find them in and around homes and commercial structures, but also in open fields. They also use their tail for balance when climbing and running. As a matter of fact, the domestic mouse is an excellent climber, jumper and swimmer. Mice are mostly nocturnal creatures. They prefer to hide near their food sources and their nest is made from various soft materials. Mice prefer to feed on plant matter like grains and seeds. Domestic mice are generally afraid of rats, which often kill and eat them. One female can have up to 10 litters per year, so mice population can increase very quickly. Due to the high level of predator house mice usually live for less than one year, but in protected areas, they can live two or three years. Often domestic mice can carry different diseases, damage and contaminate food.
Image

How Do I Get Mice?

A mouse can slip through gaps and holes as small as ¼ inch. If the gap is not big enough, the mouse can gnaw until it's big enough. They often seek shelter indoor to escape from predators. Attics and basements are the excellent hiding space for them to create a nest and reproduce.
How Do I Know If I Have A Mouse?
The most obvious sign is to see live or dead mouse in your house but there are plenty of other signs that you may have mice infestation. These include gnawed holes in insulation, piled papers, food scraps being left behind, tiny droppings found and skittering and scratching sounds coming from the walls.
How Do I Know If It Is a Rat Or Mouse?
Of course, both rats and mice fall into the rodent family and both can cause damage if they invade your property. The house mouse is smaller compared to the Norway rat. The Norway rat can reach up to 9 inches while the domestic house mouse can reach up to  4 inches. Mice also have long thin tails with hairs, but the Norway rat tail is usually hairless.

How Serious Are Mice?

Common house mice can spread diseases such as salmonella, hantavirus and listeria through their droppings, saliva and urine. These diseases can be dangerous and if you have a high level of infestation in your home the risk of catching one is increasing.

Mice also love chewing on wires and when they are in the attack or in your walls believe it or not they can create huge damage or even they can burn your house down. They do this to keep their teeth short or to gain new access. They can also chew through wood, rubber, plastic and glass lines.

Image

Mice Prevention Tips

Checking the perimeter of your home and sealing any cracks and holes will make it more difficult for them to gain entry. Keeping your gutters clean is also very helpful. Inside your home keep all of your dry food in hard plastic or glass containers.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mice?

Here's what you need to do to eliminate these little creatures.
First, you need to find their entry points and once you found those places set traps around them. Of course, a professional pest control technician from Archers Pest Control will be able to determine exactly where to put them and how many you will need. Also, you will need steel wool to seal all the gaps and pay special attention to where pipes enter the house and along the basement foundation. But if you don't have the nerves and time to deal with mice infestation call Archers Pest Control to arrange a visit from one of our certified  BPCA technicians to inspect and treat your home or property for a mouse infestation.

 
Tags :