Furry animals like cats and dogs are cute and are a calming presence in the home. Furry animals like mice are another story entirely.
These little pests are annoying, irritating, and a nuisance around the home. They contaminate water, food, dust, air, and directly transmit different diseases.
Sadly, once mice have found a home in your home, they can be difficult to exterminate, especially when you don't know what to look for.
Not to worry. This post details how to recognize the warning signs of a mouse infestation.
Droppings
Mouse droppings are found almost everywhere they feed and nest and are the biggest telltale signs you have a mouse infestation. Fresh mouse droppings are shiny, dark, cylindrical, and measure between 3 - 6 mm.
They indicate a new/active infestation. Old droppings are gray and easily crumble to the touch. Check for them in the pantry, packaging of food items, cupboards, drawers, etc.
Urine
If you have a mouse infestation, you'll most likely be able to find small pools of urine. Sometimes, what you'll see are trails of dried urine. Also, look out for piles of dirt and urine called urinating pillars.
Gnaw marks
Take a look at your pantry for gnaw marks on food items, packaging, and walls. These signs are dead giveaways that mice are feeding off your food supplies.
As soon as you find any of these signs in your pantry, contact the mice removal expert immediately and trash all the food items exposed to the mice.
Foul Odor
Mouse urine gives off a pungent, ammonia-like smell you can't miss. Your pets may even have a fascination for the odor.
So, if your cat or dog is showing interest in a new area it wasn't previously interested in, check if you can detect an ammonia smell. The odor is stronger in areas of large infestation and in the morning.
Mouse tracks
Mice are predictable - they usually follow the same route. If you have an infestation, you'll be able to see their footprints on dusty floors in the attic or cellars.
Around your home, you may see smudges and marks by holding a flashlight at an angle and shining it at the area.
A more reliable method is to place a layer of talc or flour on a suspected area. When mice walk on them, you'll be able to see their trails.
Nests
Mice choose to build their home in secluded areas of your property, such as the cabinets and drawers, attics, clutter areas, inside walls, etc.
They use materials such as paper, dried plants, cardboard, and fabric to build their nest, so watch out for these. Gnawing, musky odor, and droppings are other signs that indicate an active infestation.
Great! You've identified signs of mice infestation in your home. How do you get rid of the problem? Just contact the mice removal expert at Another Problem Solved. We completely remove these pesky animals from your home and place preventative measures that ensure they don't return.