You probably think that your house is safe against pests; however, if you start noticing some signs of pest activity, you should call a pest control company for help right away. Chewed wires, droppings, unpleasant smells, and unusual noises at night are signs of a mouse issue that must be addressed right away. Experts at greenpestservices.net know how to effectively eliminate a mouse infestation and prevent it from happening again. You should not wait to contact these experts when you notice any of the following signs of infestation:
Visible Droppings
Finding mouse droppings in your house should prompt you to take action immediately and contact a team of pest control technicians. It is important to properly identify mouse droppings to understand the extent of the problem. Mouse droppings measure around 3mm-6mm long and usually resemble rice grains. Typically, they can be found near food sources, along baseboards, in cabinets, and in closets.
Mouse droppings present significant health risks as they can harbor viruses and bacteria. Viruses can stay infectious for up to three years and bacteria such as Salmonella can stay alive for weeks. If you notice mouse droppings inside your house, disease transmission can happen. That is why the problem must be addressed right away.
Handling mouse droppings without proper protection can result in severe diseases such as Hantavirus. So, if you find these droppings, particularly in poorly ventilated places such as basements and attics, call a pest control professional promptly and let them handle the issue for you.
Strange Noise at Night
As mice perform nighttime activity, they can be heard scuttling, scurrying, or scratching from behind baseboards, floorboards, or drywall. Their noises happen as they grip surfaces using their nails while moving around.
Usually, high-pitched squeaks mean mice are communicating, particularly during active hours, which often begin about thirty minutes following sunset. This lasts until thirty minutes before sunrise. The frequency of such noises increases at night as mice look for water and food. They can be heard in places like the kitchen, loft, or basement, particularly near proteins, grains, and sweets.
Chewed Wires and Furniture
Finding frayed wires or chew marks means mice have taken up residence in your home. These rodents are attracted to the warmth that electrical systems produce, usually targeting wires in ceilings and walls. Their gnawing can result in flickering lights, electrical hazards, and power outages.
Wire insulation has the texture that mimics materials that mice chew on while in the wild. It is usually made of rubber or plastic. In addition, some automotive wirings utilize soybean-based materials that attract mice. If you smell decaying or burning odors, this could be due to electrocuted mice or overheated wires.
To prevent damage, wiring and electrical systems must be regularly inspected. Also, entry points around the house should be sealed. Rodent-resistant materials such as metal sheaths can be used to deter mice.
Nesting Materials
Finding nesting materials around the house strongly indicates a mouse infestation that should be addressed immediately. Mice show nesting behavior to make their ideal breeding space. Usually, you will find nests made using ripping clothing, soft fabric, insulation, twine, and string.
It is important to identify the materials used to recognize mouse nests. Such piles of materials can be found in attics, kitchen cabinets, basements, and cluttered areas. Typically, mice like to make their nests in secluded areas.
Strange Odors
An ammonia-like smell in enclosed spaces such as attics and cabinets comes from the urine of mice. Usually, mouse urine can be found throughout living spaces. Fishy or musky odors often associated with nests created from soiled materials such as fabric or proper also indicate that mice are nesting in an area.