Ultimate Guide to Mice Control: Keep Your Central Texas Home Safe

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice are both rodents that have a lot of similar qualities but there are a few ways to tell them apart.

Size

Rats are generally larger than mice. Adult rats measure about 9–11 inches long without their tail, while adult mice are about 3–4 inches long.

Hair

Rats have shorter, thicker tails without hair, while mice sport long, slender, hairy tails. You’ll also notice that rats have bigger feet and smaller ears compared to their head size, whereas mice have a more balanced look.

Droppings

Rat droppings are noticeably bigger than mouse droppings, usually around 10–20 mm long. In contrast, mouse droppings are much smaller, about 1–2 mm long, and have pointed or tapered ends.

Adventurous

Rats tend to be more cautious and shy away from new things, while mice are naturally curious and like to explore anything new they come across.

Diet

Rats are opportunistic scavengers that go for meats, grains, and seeds, while mice, being omnivores, mainly stick to seeds, grains, and fruits.

If you think you have a rat problem, check out this post about rat rodent control.

Common Entry Points for Mice

Mice can enter your home through small openings and gaps, making it important to know the most common entry points:

• Gaps and Cracks: Mice can squeeze through tiny holes. Check your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, or spaces where pipes and wiring enter the house.

• Vents and Chimneys: Open vents and chimneys provide easy access. Install proper mesh covers to block them.

• Garages: Mice can enter through garages, especially if the weather stripping is worn or damaged.

• Roof Access: Mice can enter through damaged shingles or gaps in roof structures, especially in areas where the roof changes pitch.

• Drain Pipes: Mice can climb up drainpipes or enter through broken grates in the sewer system.

How to Identify a Mice Infestation

Spotting a mice infestation early is key to preventing bigger problems in your home. Here are some common signs that you might be dealing with mice:

Droppings

Mouse droppings are one of the most obvious signs. They’re small, about the size of a grain of rice, with pointed ends. You’ll typically find them around food storage areas, under sinks, or along baseboards.

Gnaw Marks

Mice love to chew on just about anything. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, wires, and wood. Fresh marks are lighter in color, while older ones darken over time.

Nests

Mice build nests using soft materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. These nests are often hidden in dark, secluded spots like behind appliances, in attics, or inside wall cavities.

Scurrying Noises

Since mice are nocturnal, you might hear them scurrying or scratching in walls, ceilings, or attics at night.

Footprints or Tail Marks

In dusty areas like basements or unused rooms, you might notice small footprints or the drag marks of their tails.

Grease Marks

As mice move along walls or through tight spaces, the oil and dirt on their fur can leave behind dark, greasy smudges, especially along well-used paths.

Strong, Musty Odor

A large infestation often brings a strong, musky smell caused by their urine. This smell can linger in enclosed spaces like cupboards or attics.

Pet Behavior

If you have pets, they might alert you to a mouse problem. Cats or dogs may become unusually interested in certain spots, scratching or sniffing around areas where mice are active.

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can identify a mice infestation early and take steps to deal with it before it gets out of hand.

How to Get Rid of Mice

The best way to evict mice is by using a combination of traps and sealing entry points. Here's how to take action:

Set Traps

Use snap traps, placed along walls where mice frequently travel. For bait, peanut butter, dried fruit, or even pet food works well. Mice are cautious, so it might take time for them to approach traps, but persistence is key. Always follow the trap instructions and ensure they’re placed out of reach of pets and children.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home and seal any cracks, holes, or gaps larger than a quarter. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to block entry points around doors, windows, vents, and plumbing or wiring access points. Sealing entry points cuts off access to food and water, making the mice more likely to fall for traps.

Eliminate Food Sources

Mice will stay around as long as they have access to food. Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food out. Keeping your kitchen and storage areas clean is crucial.

How Jo's Pest Control Can Help

At Jo's Pest Control, we start by performing a thorough evaluation of your property and the extent of the infestation. After pinpointing the entry points, we create a comprehensive plan to evict the mice and seal your home to prevent future invasions. We also offer warranties for our work, ensuring that if any issues persist, we'll return to reservice the property.

Health Risks Posed by Mice

Mice, just like rats, can carry and spread many diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), and salmonellosis. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact, bites, or by breathing in or eating contaminated air or food.

Preventing Mice in Your Yard

Mice can also infest your yard, but there are steps you can take to keep them at bay:

• Clean Up Your Yard: Keep grass trimmed and remove piles of debris where mice might hide.

• Secure Trash Bins: Use rodent-proof bins and make sure lids are tightly sealed.

• Remove Bird Feeders: Bird feeders can attract mice, so keep them clean or remove them if mice become an issue.

• Eliminate Water Sources: Remove stagnant water sources like birdbaths or puddles.

• Plant Mice-Repellent Plants: Certain plants like mint and lavender can help repel mice.

Final Thoughts on Mice Control

Dealing with a mice infestation can be stressful, but with prompt action and proper preventive measures, you can keep your home mice-free. Regularly inspect your home for signs of entry, eliminate food sources, and keep your space clean. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call in professional help. Early detection and proactive prevention are the keys to long-term mice control.