Some think they look soft and cuddly, while others are petrified. Us? Well, when we see mice and/or rats, we see destructive, disease carrying rodents. House mice are carriers of some of the filthiest germs known to spread. They are also known to chew through just about anything including wiring, drywall, plumbing etc. causing a lot of grief and headaches for homeowners.

Mice

So why are mice coming in your house? 
Note that mice have very soft cartilage and can squeeze their tiny bodies into just about any opening or cavity. They come inside mostly to find shelter, warmth, food, and water. Their mission is to find a safe place to call home in order to build a nest. A scary thing to remember is that a pair of mice can produce up to 200 offspring in a matter of months! Mice typically nest in walls, attics, storage boxes. Signs of mice in your home can include droppings, scattered/chewed pieces of debris (cardboard, insulation, paper etc.), crumbs/food particles carried through your house, and of course, actually seeing a mouse. And unfortunately seeing one most likely means there are many more…

What to do if you think you have a mouse problem?

Baiting a mouse with food/traps often works best at night. This is because mice wait until it’s dark to scavenge for food. House cats are usually good hunters of mice as well. Though it should be noted that leaving poison out, or allowing your cat to “play” with or feast on a mouse is not fair on either animal. Cats are typically smart when it comes to poison and luring traps, but there is always a chance of injuries/sickness with allowing your cat to “play” or capture a mouse.

Rats

Rats, although typically bigger than mice, are also very good at maneuvering their bodies into small holes and crevices. Rats can fit through any hole the size of a quarter! Just like mice, rats are also major carriers of disease, virus’, and filth. They are also just as destructive as mice, as their way of life, including nesting is identical to that of a common house mouse.

Rats seek shelter indoors or in warm dry places. Rats typically nest in attics, under concrete blocks in decks/structures, walls, and other hard to see places. They can easily enter your home by climbing trees and getting in through broken vents or screens. Bird seed, pet food, and human food is a common lure for rats, so it’s important to keep all of your dry goods sealed air tight and to clean up crumbs/food quickly. Garbage should be sealed and disposed of quickly as well in order to prevent a rat or rats from seeking a meal inside your dwelling.

What to do if you think you have a rat problem?

Unlike mice, rats tend to be a little smarter around unfamiliar objects like baits and traps. If you’d like to try traps, be sure to set out quite a few at a time. If unsuccessful, your best bet would be to call a professional. Please feel free to reach out to us with any rodent issue you are facing! We are happy to help.