Four Signs Of A Mouse Infestation

Mice are arguably one of the most common types of pests that can infest your household, but unfortunately, they are also one of the most destructive. Mice can carry diseases and other pests on their fur, and they can also cause serious structural damage behind your walls. Understanding a few early warning signs of the presence of mice in your home can help you determine when you should call a pest control specialist before the infestation gets out of control.

Droppings

The most common and usually the first sign of a mouse population within your home that you will spot is the presence of droppings. Mouse droppings have the appearance of small black balls, usually collected in a pile, and will be most commonly found near food sources – so in your kitchen, garage, or anywhere else food and food scraps may be present. Avoid touching the droppings yourself, as they can carry diseases and should be cleaned away by a professional.

Runs

Mice can carry a great deal of oil, dirt and general grime around on their fur. This means that when they move around your home and brush up against different surfaces, they can leave behind long black streaks. The presence of runs throughout your home will map the route that mice take – so not only will it confirm that you have an infestation, but it will also help a pest control specialist locate potential entranceways and target treatments to effectively eliminate your mouse problem.

Scurrying Noises

Another clear sign that you have mice, or at least other pests, behind your walls is if you can hear movement throughout the day. Mice and other rodents are nocturnal, so you are more likely to heat them moving around at night or early in the morning. The louder the scurrying noises, the larger the population and the more important it is that you contact a pest control specialist before the mice have a chance to breed.

Chewing Damage

Finally, one last sign of a mouse population in your home that you should watch for is chew marks. Mice love to chew, and will eat through newspapers, magazines, other soft fabrics and organic materials, wooden surfaces like chair and table legs, and may even chow down on your electrical wiring. While it may be hard to see damaged wiring, a light that inexplicably stops working one day may be the victim of a mouse.

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