Is There A Mouse In The House? What You Should Know

Of the many pests that you might find in your home, mice are perhaps one of the most common. The standard house-infesting mouse is usually grey or brown in color, and not very large. Despite their small size, these little critters can wreak havoc throughout your home. Here are some things you should know if you have reason to suspect that there is a mouse in the house:

Mouse Nests Are Hard To Find

You might think that you can find the nest to figure out where the mouse -- or mice -- may be hiding. However, when a mouse builds a nest, they typically build it in a quiet area out of the way of most everything. If you do decide to look around, look for an area built up with paper, insulation, and similar materials; that's usually what mice gravitate to when building their nests. If you can identify the nest, it may be easier for a pest control contractor to help you get rid of them.

Mice Are Destructive

You might think that it's no big deal if you see a mouse run through your home. After all, they are tiny and cute, so how much damage can they really do? The truth is, they can do a lot of damage, and it doesn't take them long. For example, mice are notorious for chewing on electrical wires and cords. This can create a fire hazard in your home. If they are chewing on wires behind the walls, you may not even know it's happening until there's a serious problem.

Not to mention, mouse droppings can spread diseases and make people very sick. Mice can contaminate all sorts of things this way, from food to your silverware. They get into kitchen cabinets and drawers, leaving droppings behind in their path.

Mice Can Get In Through Tiny Holes

When you do want to eliminate the mice from your home, you also need to stop them from being able to gain access in the future. That means finding and patching even the smallest holes. As small as these creatures are, they can get through some pretty tiny holes. Take the time to work with a pest control specialist to find the areas where they could be getting in and seal them up.

Baits And Traps Are Important

Your pest control contractor will recommend a set of baits and traps to help you catch and eliminate the mice in your home. You can use non-fatal trapping options if you prefer to catch and release your mice, or you can opt for fatal traps if you don't want to risk them coming back around. Your pest control contractor will help you understand all of your options.