Mice/Mouse Control
Rodents are a group of small mammals characterized by their constantly growing incisor teeth and their ability to gnaw on hard materials. There are over 20,000 different species of rodents around the globe. Mouses/Mice and rats are two of the most commonly known rodent types.
Mice are small rodents with round bodies, pointed snouts, and long, thin tails. Likewise, Rats are larger than mice with long, scaly tails and thick bodies. The main difference between mice and rats is that mice are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and can have numerous babies yearly and rats are known for their intelligence and adaptability and are highly preferable to use in scientific research. Both mice and rats serve as prey for many predators in the ecosystem and add up by playing roles in seed dispersal and soil enrichment.
Mouse belongs to the family Muridae and have been around millions of years and are thought to have evolved around 18-24 million years ago. They have been a nuisance for humans as a symbol of disease and filth ever since.
Mice control is crucial for any household, business area, and similar human habitats. You can have property damages like chewing of electrical wiring to food contaminations which can be a nuisance with their presence. However, with mice control services and you can prevent infestations and reduce the damage risks.
If you notice a mouse infestation in or around your home or business places, you need to call a licensed and professional mouse control service like us – Pratt Termite & Pest Control, Inc. at (402) 691 2920.
How to look for a mouse infestation
Several signs indicate a mouse infestation. Let’s discuss the major ones below:
- Mouse droppings
There are small, pallet-shaped droppings near food sources and other areas where they can be active. These areas include walls, cupboards, drawers, corners, etc.
- Gnaw marks
Mice have the habit of gnawing on materials like wood, plastic, and electrical wires. Usually, the marks are seen on baseboards, corners, and furniture because it is their travel route.
- Footprints
If your place is infested by mice, then you can look for the dusty corners along the floors and cupboards for the tiny footprints left by them.
- Nesting materials
A mice shelter is built out of soft materials like paper, fabric, insulation, etc. If you notice shreds of these nesting materials in a particular area, you might have a mice infestation.
- Unusual Smells
Mice produce a musky odor that is noticeable in enclosed areas like closets and storage spaces. They are very strong and can be distinguishable.
- Scratching and rustling noises
While the mice don’t make big noises, there might be some scratching or rustling sounds coming from the walls, ceilings, and floors during the night.
If you suspect mice infestation because of any of the above signs, you need to take help from a licensed pest control for mice.
Why do we need mouse pest control? Can’t I handle it on my own?
It is possible to handle mouse infestations on your own but it is not recommended without the proper knowledge and expertise. Yes, you are placing baits and traps for the process on your own but there might be a possibility that the mice went around the trap.
Hiring a mouse pest control service gives you a thorough inspection of the house – including the physical damage that already happened. Without proper guidelines, you cannot know the extent of the infestation and the effectiveness of the method used.
To ensure that the infestation is fully controlled and there are no newly born mice around the corners of the house, it is best to hire a mouse control professional.
How does pest control get rid of mice?
There are some general steps that we use as a pest control service for rat and mouse control.
Firstly, we inspect the whole area and look for affected areas to find out the extent of the infestation, identify potential entry points, and assess the best approach to control the infestation. Then, our experienced pest control technician identifies the species of mouse present so we can determine the most effective control methods. There are many mice control products we can use to eliminate the threat to you.
After we choose the most appropriate for pest mice control, we begin the work. Some of these methods are: -
- Traps: - There are snap traps, live traps, or glue boards to place around the most active areas for the mice.
- Poison Baits: - We also use poison baits with toxic substances that are lethal to mice. We place them around the place and the mice are lured to consume them.
- Physical Barriers: - Finally, we install physical barriers like mesh screens. Sealants, or door sweeps so mice can’t enter into particular areas.
Further, we monitor the infested area to ensure that the infestation has been fully controlled. Lastly, to prevent re-infestations, our professionals provide you with a series of advice like sealing the entry points, removing food sources, maintaining cleanliness, etc.
Is mouse pest control safe?
Yes, mice controls can be safe if done by a licensed and trained pest control professional whose expertise is the guidelines and user-appropriate control methods itself. Traps and poisons can be hazardous to humans if not used properly.
Choosing a reputable service provider to pest control mice might be a solution to staying safe from hazards. You need to follow all the instructions by the pest control technician as required. The careful period usually lasts from 1-2 weeks to a month. Likewise, you need to keep children and pets away from the infected areas. The poisons and traps also need to be kept away from them to avoid exposure.
Moreover, you can consult with a pest mice control technician regularly to identify and address any underlying issues that might attract mice to your property.
How much do pest control mice costs?
The cost factor of pest control mice depends upon various factors like the extent of the infestation, the type of mouse species, the control methods, etc. In addition, the location of the infestation also influences the cost since its more work for mice controls in multi-level buildings than in a single-family home. Apart from these, there are additional costs for ongoing monitoring and preventive measures.
How long does it take for mouse pest control?
Again, the time duration needed for mouse pest control depends on the severity of the infestation, mouse species, location, control methods used, etc. On average, the elimination process takes from a few days to several weeks or even more. However, a professional will provide you with a rough time sketch for the period beforehand.
Is pest control for mice permanent?
While some mouse control methods might provide long-term results, they might or might not be permanent. Various circumstances have shown that it is rare to have a permanent mice-free environment unless the taken actions are very intense and regular.
