Watch for These Signs of Mice in a Home

Mice seek shelter in the home or garage for food and water and to protect themselves from cold. 

Mice are tiny rodents that can cause several hazardous issues when they invade a property. When indoors, mice reproduce quickly and easily, and the infestation can rapidly worsen if not checked on time. Mice seek shelter in the home or garage for food and water and to protect themselves from cold. 

Mice can transmit several diseases, damage home structures, and even cause short circuits and electrical fires if they chew through electric cables. As mice are nocturnal, the infestation might go undetected for a long time. However, recognizing and identifying the signs of an active infestation can help avoid severe damage to the home and family health. 

Here are a few signs that indicate mice are in the house:

Droppings

Usually, the first and biggest sign that most people notice is mice droppings and urine stains. Mice leave a lot of droppings scattered randomly in the house. However, these droppings are often seen where mice nest or feed. The droppings are brown and black and range from 3 to 8 mm in length, resembling a rice grain. 

Scratching noises

Mice are most active during the night. Mice are curious creatures and active climbers. There is most likely a mice infestation if there are scratching and gnawing sounds from the walls, ceilings, lofts, attic, basement, or floorboards. When the house is quiet, it is easier to hear unusual noises. The noise may be of the mice moving, climbing, or gnawing on materials.

Damage around the house

Mice gnaw on varied materials like wood and plastic to prevent their teeth from growing. Nibble or gnawing marks on furniture, pipes, baseboard, plastic containers, furnishings, food boxes, or damaged wiring indicate that the mice are chewing through them.

A strong, musky odor

Mice urine has a strong, pungent, ammonia-like smell. The odor is more noticeable in enclosed spaces. Pets like cats and dogs can detect the presence of mice and rodent scents. If the pets sniff or paw at a particular area, a mouse might be present nearby. Inspect the area, and if you smell a strong odor, there is a mice infestation.  

Mouse tracks and grease marks

Mice leave footprints and tail marks in dusty areas like basements and lofts as they walk around the house. To ensure mouse activity, sprinkle some talcum powder on the floor and look for tracks the next day. Mice also leave grease marks when they brush against walls, floorboards, and furniture on the route they regularly take from their nesting space to the food source. 

Nests

Mice build nests in secluded spaces like lofts, behind fridges, wall cavities, and suspended ceilings to house their young ones. They usually use soft materials such as shredded paper, fabric, dried plant matter, or cardboard. 

Spotting a dead or live mouse

Noticing a live mouse scurrying across the floor during the day or a dead mouse in the house indicates a heavy infestation. 

A mouse infestation is more than an annoyance and inconvenience. Call a pest control service immediately if you notice any of the above signs indicating a mouse problem. Professionals use safe and efficient methods to manage mice infestation and deter future infestations.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!