Black Widow Control and Prevention
The black widow spider (scientifically named Latrodectus) is notorious for being dangerous. The female’s poisonous bite and reputation for killing and eating her mate serve not only as a health...
The black widow spider (scientifically named Latrodectus) is notorious for being dangerous. The female’s poisonous bite and reputation for killing and eating her mate serve not only as a health...
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Here at EarthKind, we know a lot about mice because it’s part of our job. But, there are actually some pretty fascinating facts (and some not-so-glamorous facts) that many homeowners...
If you’ve heard strange scratching sounds in your walls, found mysterious holes in food boxes, or worse, you’ve noticed chewed up and shredded paper around your home, you may have...
If you’ve heard strange scratching sounds in your walls, found mysterious holes in food boxes, or worse, you’ve noticed chewed up and shredded paper around your home, you may have a mouse infestation on your hands. Mice shred up paper to make their nests comfy and can pass through the smallest of spaces. They chew holes in food packages in your pantry and leave their droppings everywhere.
These are some of the common signs to look for that will help you determine if you have a mouse infestation. It’s a bit harder to spot rodents because they are typically active when the least danger is present, so instead, you must look for the markings they leave around your home. Here are some other signs to help you determine if you have a pest problem.
A sure-fire sign of a rodent problem is finding mouse or rat droppings. They leave droppings while running about and in areas they visit regularly. The first thing you should do is grab a flashlight and look in these specific locations where these critters like to hide:
These droppings are small, black pellets shaped like grains of rice. If you find these anywhere in your house, you can be certain a rodent has been there. Besides droppings, you may also notice a musty urine odor or even the strong smell of a dead mouse. If you have pets in the house, you may notice them watching a certain spot or scratching the floor; dogs may detect the presence of rodents even when people can’t.
Whether you think you have a rodent problem inside your home, in a storage area, or out in the garage, here are common signs of mouse activity to keep an eye out for:
If you notice signs of mice around your home and determine you have a problem, it’s important to take action. While some rodents may seem tiny and harmless, they carry diseases that can be threatening to people. Here are just a few of the diseases they may carry:
These are just four of the many diseases mice can carry into your home which is why after you notice any of the signs, you must take proactive measures to eliminate the problem.
If you come across droppings, follow the CDC’s instructions for cleaning up after rodents to prevent the risk of disease.
In the colder months, mice and other pests often try entering your home for warmth. They get in through cracks and crevices and openings around your house that have not been sealed securely.
Infestations are pretty common, especially if you live on a farm or in a rural area. City dwellers are no stranger to rodent infestations either. Taking fast action is the best approach.
Homeowners may dislike resorting to mouse traps or rat poison – especially if there are children or pets in the home. Fortunately, there are alternative pest control solutions:
Consider using botanical rodent repellent to both help get rid of the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future. Stay Away® Rodent is made with powerful botanic ingredients and provides continuous protection for 30 days.