Mice are small rodents that we all know about to some degree. While we might imagine them as cartoonish-creatures that make cute little homes in the walls or think of them as adorable potential pets, the truth is that mice can be both dangerous and destructive pests in Tampa, Florida. While it’s true that some people do keep them as pests, wild mice around your property can cause a lot of problems.
The common house mouse is one of the most prevalent home-invading pest species in the area and throughout the country. These tiny mice only get to be about 3 to 4 inches long, but don’t let their size fool you. They can reproduce quickly, and their numbers can easily get out of control. And, because they constantly gnaw on all kinds of materials, they can destroy plumbing, electrical wires, drywall, and more.
Mice are also known for spreading diseases such as tularemia and salmonellosis, and over time, the build-up of their feces, fur, and urine can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.
How To Identify Mice
Many people confuse rats and mice because they do look and act similarly. However, you can identify the house mouse by looking for a few characteristics. They are brownish-grey in color, and they have long, skinny tails whereas rats have shorter, scaly tails. They also have more triangular-shaped faces while rats have blunter ones.
Why Do Mice Come Indoors?
Mice have adapted over thousands of years to live close to humans because we provide shelter and easy access to food and water. No matter where you live your home is bound to have these top three resources for mice. Things like pet food, unclean kitchens, and overflowing trash cans can be extra attractive to mice. However, even the best-kept homes in Tampa are not immune to these pests.
A mouse problem doesn’t always indicate that you have a dirty home. The truth is that mice are very widespread and difficult to prevent. These pests can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and once inside, they will get to work chewing through many items. This is because they have incisors that constantly grow, so they have to gnaw things to keep their teeth from getting too long.
Mouse Prevention Tips
While it’s difficult to completely ensure you’ll never have a mouse infestation, you can take some steps to reduce the likelihood. Here are five of the best ways to keep rodents out of your home:
1. Seal up holes and cracks in the walls and foundation using steel wool, caulk, and wire mesh.
2. Keep lids on all trash cans.
3. Regularly clean kitchens and make sure to wipe up food and drink spills right away.
4. Store pet food indoors in airtight containers.
5. Reduce moisture issues by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaky plumbing.
How Can You Remove A Mouse Infestation?
It’s nearly impossible to remove an entire infestation using DIY methods because of how quickly mice can reproduce and how well they can hide. While methods like traps can remove some individuals, they aren’t going to get the entire infestation.
Instead, let the pest control experts at BOLD Servicing handle the problem. Our experts can efficiently eradicate any current infestations and also provide the best prevention through our ongoing residential pest control plans. Give us a call today to get started!