Table of Contents
Mice Characteristics – Which Mouse Species Is Invading My Home?
In Miami, there are two mouse species, both of which target homes and businesses. The deer and house mouse species are notorious for invading human living and working spaces. These small creatures have little to no hair on their body, a pointy nose, large ears, and protruding eyes, all of the characteristics that make them terrifying in the dark. The body ranges from light brown to black, with a gray, yellowish-beige (buff) stomach. The fecal droppings are very noticeable because they are generally in small piles. They are black in color and produce what many people describe as a “musty” odor. The deer mouse is unique as it normally has white feet with tiny translucent to black claws. It is also a mixture of colors ranging from brown to white over various parts of the body. The tail is generally the same size as the body and head as a single unit, with no hair.
Rodent infestation characteristics:
- Smile piles of fecal droppings scattered about in infested areas
- Nest made of materials collected from yard and household debris
- Gnaw markings on food containers and building structures
- Audible night noises that are contributed to the mouse colony scurrying about (yes, if you are very quiet, you can hear them foraging for food and building nests)
What Are Mice Fecal Droppings?
Mouse droppings are tiny oblong pieces of fecal material that range between three and six millimeters in length. They take on a rice-like shape, with a musty odor. They can be found in the mouse’s path but are mostly found in nesting and breeding areas.
Why Is My Home Infested With Mice?
Mice target homes and businesses that have survival essentials, such as a safe shelter and ample food. They must also have an access point from the exterior to the interior of the targeted building. However, mice are not against gnawing their way into a building. More than not, they utilize holes around plumbing pipes and electrical wiring as a form or access into the building.
Do Mice Pose Health Risks To Humans?
Mice infestations do pose some risks to humans through diseases, such as Lassa fever, Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, plague, and hemorrhagic fever, and renal syndrome. All of these diseases have been shown to spread from rodents to humans through contaminated food. Rodents are also known to be infested with ticks and fleas that will spread to canines and cats. They utilize their sharp teeth to gnaw through food containers and building materials like drywall, wood flooring, and insulation to create nests and access a building.
Rodent infestation risks:
- Food contamination through fecal droppings and urine
- Diseases – that spread to humans
- Rodent-borne diseases – salmonellosis, swine dysentery, and hantavirus
- Gnaw and claw structural damage
- Electrical fire due to gnawing
How To Eradicate A Mouse Infestation?
The most efficient way to get rid of mice is professional or commercial-grade pest control. Our pest control combines rodent bait and traps to eradicate small to large infestations in the shortest duration possible. We also recommend sealing off all potential access points like openings near plumbing pipes and electrical wiring.
When Should I Expect The Exterminator To Arrive At My Home?
We will dispatch an exterminator out to your home within 24 to 48 hours of your initial rat control service request.
Is Rodent Pest Control Dangerous?
Not when applied properly. To minimize any potential health risks to our customers, we only utilize rat bait that has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-approved rat bait does contain chemicals that may pose some risk to humans and animals. But, when utilized per the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is possible to avoid these risks altogether.
How To Prevent Future Rodent Infestations?
As mentioned previously, we recommend sealing off all openings that could be utilized as an access point for a rodent. These openings are generally found around plumbing and electrical systems. They lead from the outside to the inside, making them the ideal gateway for a small mouse. Other recommendations include:
- Store food in glass or plastic containers
- Create a doable and effective cleaning schedule
- Remove trash and waste out of the home regularly
- Vacuum regularly, targeting food crumbs and other edible materials
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
