Being able to detect a mouse infestation early on is important, because of the damage and the diseases that these rodents can spread. Thankfully, mice leave several signs lying around that can indicate their presence, and in this article, we’re going to cover these signs.
Seeing a live mouse
It should go without saying that seeing a mouse in the home is the first and most obvious sign that there is an infestation. However, some homeowners will ignore a mouse sighting, and assume that the mouse was just passing through. This is not the case at all, because mice will try to stay hidden for as long as possible, and when you see one out in the open, it’s usually because the mouse nest it originates from is fairly full. This means that there is a full-blown infestation in the home, and if you see one mouse, it’s safe to assume that there may be dozens more lurking in the shadows.
Droppings
Mice will often leave their droppings outside of their nest, behind furniture, inside drawers and in any area where they are very active. The droppings resemble black rice, and they will always be found in groups. Most infestations will be detected by the droppings.
Gnaw marks and sounds
House mice will constantly chew on items in their environment. They need to do this, because their teeth never stop growing, and by chewing, they keep their teeth to an adequate length. Because of this, you will be able to detect an infestation by noticing shavings and some form of debris throughout the house. The gnaw marks will also be visible, and you will be able to hear the chewing, usually at night. You may also hear the mice running around inside the walls.
Odor
House mouse infestations have a distinctive odor. As the mouse population inside the home grows, the mouse will urinate more and more throughout the building, and this will leave a distinct odor that will be quite noticeable.
What to do if you detect a house mouse infestation
If you suspect that you have an infestation after witnessing one or more of these signs, you should call over a pest control pro who will help you remove it. Contact us today if you have seen any of the signs of a mouse infestation, and we will help you get rid of it.
