Not a creature was stirring…..not even a….. MOUSE

 

 

Not a creature was stirring…..not even a….. MOUSE

It is that time of the year when the colder weather is bringing unwanted pests in to find warmer places to make their nests for winter. It is very important to look at the nesting habits of mice to know how they get inside of your home, the common areas they come in, and how to prevent them! 

Nesting habits: 

Did you know that you find mice in almost every country across the world because they can live in most conditions? They also eat between 15-20 times a day so they find any location that has plenty of food and water to nest. In the wild, mice will burrow into the ground to create a nest that keeps them out of reach from predators. When inside the house, mice will use items to build a nest in small spaces. Mice create nests because they need shelter from predators. The nest will also keep the mice warm from cold conditions and help them regulate their bodies. Also, having a warm safe place is important for the chance of survival among their litter. 

Mice are only about three to four inches long, making it very easy for them to squeeze inside through small holes and cracks. These tiny creatures slip in cracks that are so small they are sometimes hard to see. When mice are found inside the home, they will live in undisturbed areas, or most likely can be found in the kitchen since it provides them with food, water, and shelter. 

• If you find mice in your kitchen, you will want to inspect food containers carefully as rodents will chew through bags or boxes and contaminate food. This is a serious issue and can cause unpleasant symptoms if consumed. 

It can be difficult to spot a rodent infestation early on since these pests are nocturnal and will usually rummage around your home at night. However, they reproduce quickly, and if you let warning signs go unnoticed, you could have a huge infestation on your hands in a very short time. 

Here are a few warning signs homeowners should check to make sure they don’t have unwanted visitors:

• Fecal droppings
  • If you start to see small pellets around your home, don’t ignore the warning sign. Take note of the location, and contact Pest Control Solutions. 
• Chewed or frayed wires
  • Frequently, mice will munch on wires to determine whether it’s a food source or not, which can cause some serious issues to any equipment those wires are connected to. 
• Seeing a mouse
  • Finding a little rodent scurrying across the floor is a clear sign that you have an infestation. Once you identify a mouse or another rodent in your home, it’s time to call an exterminator!

  

How they get into your home: 

Mice are known to enter homes in various ways, whether through a cracked door, your garage or even a small opening higher off the ground. These critters are desperate to get in and find warmer temperatures. They are extremely small and will fit into the smallest of places. Did you know that mice can even scale the walls of a home to reach entry points? The more you know the common ways they get inside, the better you will be protected this winter. 

• Open Garage Doors. Keeping mice out of your garage has to be one of the most helpful ways to keep mice out of your home. Mice tend to gravitate towards garages because they provide shelter and it is a place where they have fewer encounters with humans. 
• HVAC Units. An AC condenser is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner and mice and rats like to crawl into the small spaces. Inside this space, they will harvest air duct materials to build their nests. 
• Laundry Vents. Dryers in particular provide warmth during Chicago’s winter months making them the ideal nesting spot for mice. These pests enter through tares in the vent or even the vent flapper which is located on the outside of your home. 
• Threshold. Making sure that the gaps under your door are not that large can go a long way in protecting your home from mice and other rodents. Be sure to keep all doors and windows sealed for protection against all sorts of infestations this time of the year as rodents aren’t the only, or smallest pests that are trying to get inside. 

Preventing infestation: 

Not only is a mouse infestation hazardous to your health but it also is definitely a huge inconvenience to homeowners. We have a few tips to keep you and all those in your home safe from rodents this winter season. 

• Keep doors closed. It is always tempting to want to let in a little bit of fresh air, but this can leave your house vulnerable to many unwanted pests, including mice. 
• Maintain your exterior. Mice and rats are creatures that like to burrow during the colder months for shelter and warmth. Keep your lawn, landscaping, and gutters free of debris to discourage rodents and other pests from making your yard their home. 

We hope that this helps protect you, your loved ones, and your home from unwanted visitors this holiday season. Here at Pest Control Solutions, we want you to enjoy a rodent-free winter. Don’t let a mouse take over your house! Call our trained pest exterminators serving Chicago-land!