Just as “snowbirds” head from the chill of northern Wisconsin to the summerlike environs of Arizona and Florida at this time of year, so too do mice and other rodents seek out a warmer place to ride out the upcoming cold winter months. Unfortunately, those mice won’t be making the trip to Arizona or Florida –your basement, attic, crawlspace or garage is more likely where they’ll be looking to find shelter and food for the winter ahead.
Here are five things to keep in mind as this prime time for mouse infestations approaches:
Infestations happen everywhere
October is a prime time for mice to begin moving indoors, and more than 21 million homes in the United States will unwillingly play host to mice this winter, according to PestWorld. Erdye’s Pest Control sets almost 10,000 Victor mouse traps for customers throughout Northeastern Wisconsin and the UP every fall to help combat this migration.
Infestations happen quickly
“Mouse” can become “mice” in a hurry! A typical female mouse can give birth to a dozen babies every three weeks, which can quickly add up to big trouble in your basement or attic. So don’t think that the one little mouse you spotted won’t be much of a concern – chances are he’s not alone.
Mice and disease
Mice in the house aren’t just a nuisance – they can be a legitimate health concern, carrying up to 200 human pathogens. Some of the diseases that a mouse can bring into your home via bites or droppings include potentially life-threatening ills such as Hantavirus, bubonic plague, salmonellosis and rat-bite fever.
Dangerous droppings
One mouse can produce between 40 and 100 droppings per day and leave behind a constant trail of urine wherever it moves. That’s an unpleasant scenario that only gets worse when you consider the bacteria and diseases those droppings can contain.
Rude house guests
Not only do mice constitute a considerable health risk, but they’re not very respectful of personal property either, routinely chewing their way through wallboards, insulation, wood and electrical wiring. Plus, once they take up residence in your home, it can be very difficult to get rid of mice.
In light of these facts, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of the signs of a possible rodent infestation, such as scampering sounds in ceilings, droppings found in undisturbed places or partially eaten food in the kitchen. If you suspect an infestation, a pest professional can offer the expertise and knowledge to treat the problem. Call today for a FREE thorough inspection from Erdye’s Pest Control – we’ll get into your basement, attic or crawlspace to make sure we find any mice that have decided to move in for the winter, and come up with a safe, reliable plan to help send them packing.