Mice

What do mice look like?

Mice are small rodents that measure between 5 and 7 inches long, not including their tails, which are slightly longer than their body length. Mice have conical snouts, relatively large ears, small black eyes, and short fur that can be gray, brown, or sometimes white. Their tails are thin and covered with fine scales rather than fur.

Where do mice live?

Outdoors, mice often live under brush, in grassy areas, inside logs, and underneath wood and other organic debris. Inside man-made structures, they seek out quiet, secluded spots such as wall voids, attics, and storage rooms. Kitchen or pantries are preferred, allowing mice to live near food sources. In a kitchen, mice may live behind or underneath appliances and cabinets to get closer to food while tolerating the sounds of human activity nearby. The easiest way to find out if you have mice in your kitchen is to look for droppings in the cabinet under your sink or pull your appliances out and look behind. 

What do mice eat?

Mice are opportunistic eaters. They prefer to feed on seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, but they’ll eat what’s available. Mice typically eat 15 to 20 times a day, so they always look for food when active. In homes, mice will consume people's food, including cereal, grains, bread and other baked goods, leftover scraps, sugary treats, butter, and grease. They’ll also eat pet food. 

Do mice breed quickly?

Yes. A female mouse can produce several litters in a year, each containing several pups (baby mice). In a surprisingly short time, a small mouse population can grow much larger if conditions remain favorable because mice grow to sexual maturity in 6 to 8 weeks. This rapid breeding cycle is one reason why it is critical to address mouse problems at the first sign of activity.

Are mice harmful?

Mouse droppings can harm people by transmitting diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, especially when in contact with urine or contaminated surfaces. They can also trigger allergic reactions, causing sneezing, asthma attacks, skin rashes, and other issues. If droppings are near food or on surfaces, they can contaminate food, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, disturbing droppings can release harmful particles into the air, posing an inhalation risk. 

Mice can also be harmful to homes. They chew on wires, insulation, and wood, leading to electrical hazards, structural damage, and costly repairs if not caught early. 

A mouse infestation can also damage personal belongings, particularly stored items. 

How can I tell if I have a mouse problem?

There are several ways to detect mouse activity in the house besides spotting a live mouse. Look for them in secluded spaces that are just out of sight or hidden in darkness.

• Droppings: dark-colored, rice-like pellets with pointed ends
• Gnaw marks: chew damage on boxes, baseboards, door frames, wires, or furniture
• Noises at night: scratching, bumping, squeaking, or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors
• Nests: shredded and soft materials hidden in dark corners, compartments, and cavities
• Footprints or grease marks: in dusty or unused areas or on a shelf with food powders, you may find tiny footprints where mice have been or grease left behind from their bodies

If you notice any signs of mice, it’s time to contact Termio Pest Control for treatments.

How do mice get into homes?

Mice are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding entry points. They can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Common entry points include:

• Gaps around doors and windows
• Cracks between foundation slabs and walls
• Exterior wall cavities
• Spaces around utility lines and pipes
• Unprotected vents and weep holes
• Open breathe holes in tiled rooflines

Once inside a house, mice can easily move around, using wall voids and hidden pathways to navigate from bottom to top and vice versa.

What attracts mice to my home?

Mice are attracted to yards that provide hiding places and food options. They hide under junk piles, construction materials, and organic debris and feed on seeds, nuts, fruit, insects, garbage, and more. 

Mice enter homes to find favorable conditions and protection from predators. On a hot summer day, they get in to find cool temperatures. On a chilly winter night, they get in to stay warm. They never get in to find food because they don’t know your home has food. But, they are more likely to remain in a house that provides shelter and food.

How do I get rid of mice?

If you’ve detected mice in the attic or elsewhere in your home, contact Termio Pest Control for effective, ongoing pest control services. Available in Tempe, Phoenix, and surrounding areas, our local pest control experts are ready to help you get rid of mice and prevent them from re-infesting! 

How can I prevent mice?

You need to counteract their natural tendencies to keep mice from getting into your home and choosing to stay. Here are some mouse prevention tips to try:

• Seal entry points: Inspect the exterior of your home and seal gaps or cracks with materials like expanding foam and caulk. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and have proper weatherproofing and sweeps.
• Store food properly: Keep cookies, crackers, other pantry staples, and pet food in sealed containers.
• Maintain a tidy home: Clutter gives mice places to hide. Keep storage areas organized, junk and clothing off the floor, and everything in its place.
• Remove outdoor attractants: Trim shrubbery and landscape vegetation to reduce hiding places. Remove unnecessary items from your yard, particularly next to your exterior.

Manage garbage: Keep trash receptacles sealed and empty them regularly. Keep exterior cans away from the house.