S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

House Mice
Mus domesticus
Color: Light brown to black
Legs: Four
Shape: Round
Size: 2"
Antennae: No
Flight: No

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can adapt quickly to changing conditions and can breed rapidly, breeding throughout the year and sharing nests.

House mice live in structures, but they do also live outdoors. Most mice come indoors in the fall. But it's not because of cooler weather, the seeds and plants on which they feed outside are gone. That means they must seek out new food sources, sometimes it's your home. The presence of mice can be detected by droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences or railroad tracks, and under low vegetation and debris.

Mice are excellent climbers and are capable of gaining entry through even the smallest holes, most garage doors allow just enough space for mice to fit underneath.

Mice can contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the salmonellosis bacterium that causes food poisoning. Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children and nice can bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home. Their constant gnawing can even cause damage to structures and property.

Prevention:

Make sure all holes and cracks larger around than a pencil are sealed.
Store fire wood away from your home and remove piles of lumber or other decaying wood that could serve as a nesting site.
Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky faucets, plumbing, and free-standing water. Also, make sure that your sprinkler system does not spray directly onto the foundation of your home or business.
Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation, it can serve as hiding places for rodents as well as termites and ants.
Install weather strip on the bottom of all doors to prevent entery.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.