Signs You Need Mice Control Services
Mice are nocturnal pests that usually emerge at night and hide during the day. These pests are very irritating and can cause you sleepless nights. Mice control services are the best way to eradicate a mice infestation. Here are some signs you need to watch out for before you call in the experts.
Gnaw Marks
Gnaw marks are one of the obvious signs of a mice infestation. You'll notice these marks on food packaging or on the structure of your house. One way of determining the age is by comparing current gnaw marks with older markings. Current marks tend to be light in color, and this means there's a continuing infestation.
Gnaw marks can also help you determine if you're dealing with rats or mice. Large gnaw marks are produced by rats, while mice produce small markings. At the first sign of gnaw marks, you should call mice control services to perform a home inspection and smoke out the mice before they increase in population.
Mice Pathways
Mice tend to leave dirty smudges along baseboards and floors. They also run along walls and typically use the same route every night. The dirt from their feet and fur creates a distinctive smudging tracery along the route.
You can also identify their pathways through droppings or urine. Mice have an ammonia smell, which you'll notice in enclosed areas like cabinets, drawers, and pantries. The smell is also evident on their pathways. The odor is a way for them to establish their territory.
Nests
Another sign of a mice infestation is their nests. The moment you notice a nest made of soft and easy-to-shred materials, you should consult mice control services. Each liter of mice averages six to eight pups, and a nest can contain up to two dozen mice.
One of the most common places where mice like to create their nests is the kitchen. The kitchen has mouse-friendly amenities. Therefore, if you suspect the presence of mice, check around kitchen appliances, including the freezer, refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. You should also check near the hot water heater or any appliance that has a pilot light.
In Conclusion
Mice inhabit filthy surroundings. Therefore, your first line of defense against a mice infestation is to observe proper sanitation. Also, ensure all entry points for mice have been sealed. Conducting a home inspection once in a while can help you detect mice's presence. If you notice any of the above signs of an infestation, you should call mice control services to address the problem quickly and prevent costly damages.