There are many species of mice living in various habitats throughout the world. A mouse is a rodent like its rat, chipmunk and squirrel cousins. Mice are active at night when they spend much of their time foraging for food. These critters are known for their curiosity, adaptability and quick reproduction cycles.
These whiskered pests will gladly take advantage of the warmth, shelter and food in your home. In nature, mice build burrows with tunnel systems and eat seeds, fruits and some crops. In the home or attic, a mouse will build a nest out of any material they can find and scavenge food crumbs. They are omnivorous, which means they will eat plants and meat. Mice will even eat each other if there is not enough food.
Types of Mice
Mice are small, between 1 and 7 inches, and weigh ½ to 1 ounce. They are usually brown, gray or white depending on the species and have round ears, a pointed snout and a scaly tail. Mice have poor eyesight, but an excellent sense of smell and hearing. A female mouse can have 4 to 12 pups at a time and a new litter about every three weeks. This high reproductive rate is one of the reasons why a mouse infestation can quickly grow out of control.
Mice In The Home & The Attic
Mice are usually found in walls and other spaces near food because these hungry little critters can eat around 20 times a day. You may find chewed up insulation, wiring, books and cardboard as a female mouse will use anything she can find to build a nest. You may also notice small, ¼ inch size droppings that look like chocolate sprinkles in your kitchen, pantry or other places that the mouse is finding food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mice bite?
These little critters do not attack and bite people. More often than not, they will run away when scared. A mouse will only bite as a last resort if it is really frightened.
Do mice carry diseases?
Not only can mice contaminate food and food preparation surfaces with bacteria like salmonella, but these critters and their droppings are vectors for the hantavirus. Mice can also bring ticks, fleas and other parasites into your home.
Benefits of Professional Pest Control
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and techniques that are important for addressing a mouse problem. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the mouse infestation.