Mouse control is not an easy task to handle on your own, but professional pest control in Jacksonville can help. Continue reading to learn how to identify a mouse infestation, the dangers of mice that you should be aware of, and how to get rid of mice for good.
How Can I Be Sure I Have A Mouse Infestation?
If you’re reading this, you most likely suspect that your home has a mouse infestation. Perhaps you are hearing scratching noises in the walls at night or have noticed gnaw marks on your cereal boxes. Even if you haven’t caught a mouse red-handed, there are many indications that may point to a mouse problem.
Here are some telltale signs of mice in your Jacksonville home:
- Mouse feces – these are dark, rod-shaped pellets with pointed ends, measuring between ⅛ and ¼ inch long.
- Gnaw marks on containers, furniture, baseboards, etc.
- Oily rub marks left on walls.
- Nests made from fabric, insulation, paper, and other materials.
- Damaged food items such as cereals and seeds.
- A sharp odor from mouse urine.
- Strange noises coming from the walls or ceiling.
Aside from these indirect signs of mice, you may spot the rodents themselves. Mice are small rodents with long tails, and are typically dusty gray or brown in color. They can be distinguished from rats due to their much smaller size and rounder bodies. Mice are usually 2½ – 3¾ inches long, while rats are at least twice as large.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Mice In My Home?
Despite their meek appearance, mice are a very dangerous pest to have in your home. These rodents carry several types of bacteria that can make you and your family seriously ill. House mice can transmit leptospirosis, tularemia, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis to humans through their urine and droppings.
Some species of mice additionally carry hantavirus, which causes a potentially fatal respiratory disease in humans. If you have noticed signs of mice in your home, act quickly to protect yourself from these disease-carrying pests.
Another serious danger that mice present is, surprisingly, the risk of house fires. Mice are known to chew through electrical wiring, which can cause electric malfunctioning that may spark a fire. These pests are a liability to have in your home. It’s important to get rid of mice as soon as you become aware of the issue.
Why Aren’t Mouse Traps Getting Rid Of The Mice?
Now that you know the signs of mice and the dangers they present, you may be wondering how to get rid of mice in your home. Many people turn to mouse traps when faced with an infestation. Unfortunately, mouse traps often fall short of catching all of the mice you have in your home.
There are several reasons why your mouse traps may not be working. You may be placing them in the wrong locations, not using enough traps, or using bait that is not attracting the mice. Most people think of cheese when they think of mouse traps, but peanut butter or chocolate are actually much more enticing to mice. The mice may also be suspicious of your traps because they can smell your human scent on them. Or, if you have used the same trap more than once, they may smell the previous dead mouse and be repelled by it.
How Do I Get Rid Of The Mice In My Home For Good?
When it comes to mice, getting rid of them quickly and thoroughly is crucial. Don’t allow the problem to worsen by using ineffective methods. Contact Trad’s Pest Control for the best pest control for mice. Trad’s Pest Control has served Jacksonville residents with quality pest control solutions since 1971.
We will thoroughly eliminate the mice from your property using our effective combination of rodent control products, and we will monitor the traps remotely to ensure that your home stays mouse-free. Reach out to Trad’s Pest Control today to schedule your free inspection.