Mouse
- Order: Rodentia
- Life : 2 to 3 years
- Color: gray, black or white
- Weight: 20 to 50 g
- Length: 6 to 10 cm
Mouse Pest control
Sign of presence
Noise
Mice are nocturnal creatures, and their activities often become more noticeable when all is quiet in the house. If you hear scratching, running or tapping noises in walls, ceilings or floors, this may indicate an infestation. These sounds, though discreet, are usually concentrated in low-traffic or isolated areas, such as attics or basements. These noises can be stressful, but you should know that they are a valuable signal to intervene quickly and prevent the situation from worsening. This is the perfect time to contact a mouse exterminator like MW Extermination.
Excrement and droppings
Mouse droppings are small, telltale signs, often found near food sources, in cupboards or along walls. These small, black, grain-shaped droppings measure around 3 to 6 mm. Mice also leave traces of urine, which give off an unpleasant, musky odour. These are obvious signs that, although uncomfortable to discover, help locate their areas of activity. These signs must be taken seriously, as they may contain pathogens harmful to health.
Bad smells
One of the most noticeable effects of a mouse infestation is the characteristic odor they leave behind. This ammonia-like odor comes from the accumulation of their droppings and urine, especially in confined spaces. If you perceive this unpleasant odor in closets, attics or corners of your home, it may indicate sustained rodent activity. This odor, though unpleasant, is a valuable signal for detecting their presence.
Gnawed food
Mice actively search for food to survive and feed their colony. If you notice nibbled food wrappers, punctured cereal boxes or scattered food scraps, there’s a good chance that mice are to blame. Their appetite is not only a nuisance to your food supply, but can also pose significant health risks, as they can contaminate food with their droppings or paws.
Gnawed electrical wires
Mice have a biological characteristic that drives them to gnaw constantly to wear down their ever-growing teeth. This leads them to attack all types of material: paper, wood, plastics, even electrical wires. These gnawing activities can cause major damage, including short-circuits and fire hazards. If you discover damaged cables or bite marks on objects, this may indicate an infestation that requires rapid intervention.
General
Mice, nocturnal mammals, are rarely visible during the day. If you find one during the day, it’s likely that many of them are hiding close to your home, as is the case with cockroaches in Quebec. To detect their presence, look out for moving noises at night, as well as the state of your electrical wiring and gnawed food in cupboards. What’s more, the droppings left by mice can cause a bad odor and leave traces behind closets, under attics and in cellars.
Prevention
Caulking
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a penny. That’s why it’s vital to seal all cracks and infiltrations as soon as they appear. Check door and window frames, as well as areas around pipes, drains and vents. Use putty, concrete or metal mesh to block these areas. By acting quickly, you can prevent mice from entering and taking refuge in your home.
Cleaning
A clean environment discourages mice, as it reduces their food sources and potential hiding places. Regularly clean kitchen cupboards, spaces behind furniture and under appliances. Remove crumbs and food residues, and make sure you don’t leave food lying around, even for short periods.
Conservation
Mice can easily gain access to soft packaging such as cardboard or thin plastic. To avoid this, store your foodstuffs in airtight containers, such as glass jars or metal cans. Adopt this practice for both dry foods (pasta, cereals, flour) and fresh produce left on the counter, such as bread or fruit.
Waste management
Food waste is a real invitation to mice. Don’t let rubbish bags accumulate inside or outside your home. Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. If possible, keep garbage bins away from your home to limit the risk of attracting pests.
Traps
If you suspect the presence of mice, or wish to prevent them from settling in, the use of traps can be an effective solution. Install mouse traps in strategic areas, but take care to place them out of reach of children and pets. As for poisons, although they can be useful, they require careful handling: they are toxic and can cause problems if a poisoned mouse dies in an inaccessible place.
Vegetation
Outdoors, regular maintenance of your garden or grounds can go a long way towards keeping mice at bay. Keep your lawn short and avoid tall grass or dense plantings, which provide ideal hiding places for these rodents. By limiting these natural shelters, you reduce their attractiveness to your outdoor spaces.
