Just because something is cute does not make it harmless. If you have ever played with a kitten with bare hands, you know exactly what we are talking about. Small things hurt, especially when they are left to their own devices. One great example of this is with mice. Though regularly purchased and kept as pets, mice are considered to be among the most dangerous, annoying, and destructive pests in the Fort Worth area. To help you combat these invasive rodents around your home, here are some things to consider.
Why Mice Invade Homes
Mice are opportunity seekers. Since living inside your home is easier than fending for themselves out in the wild, these pests have no trouble building their nests indoors. The only thing that stops these pests from breaking in is not knowing how awesome your home is. It isn’t until mice are drawn in by a smell, a breeze of cool or warm air, or wander in by accident that they learn what benefits a home provides.
How Mice Get Into Homes
Despite their plump bodies, mice are agile and flexible pests. As long as a hole is as big as a nickel, they have no trouble squeezing their body through it. Mice most commonly find their way into homes by crawling in through gaps, cracks, and other openings. They find these entry points in exterior foundations, under doors, through screening, and in other weak spots.
DIY Prevention Tips For Mice
Mice are incredibly frustrating pests. Thankfully, they are preventable. To reduce your chances of finding these furry rodents inside your living areas, here are some exclusion and prevention tips to try around your home and property.
- Identify and seal holes, gaps, and cracks in the exterior of your home’s foundation.
- Make sure your home’s window/door screens are in good condition.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors that lead out of your home.
- Keep your grass cut short and your landscaping well-maintained.
- Eliminate sources of water buildup.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures.
- Make sure your gutters are properly channeling water away from your home’s exterior.
- Keep your living areas clean and tidy.
- Store food inside air-tight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Invest in rodent-proof trash cans.
- Address food and drink messes around your home as they happen.
Why You Don’t Want Mice Inside Your Home
Mice are not just annoying. They are also incredibly dangerous. These small pests are carriers of a number of diseases including salmonellosis, hantavirus, and tularemia. Mice are also regular hosts for parasitic pests like fleas and ticks. If you own indoor pets that lack proper flea and tick prevention, mice bringing these bugs inside could mean trouble.
In addition to being dangerous, mice are also destructive. Using their sharp teeth, these pests gnaw on the legs of furniture, chew holes through walls and boxes, and tear up things like insulation, clothing, and paper.
The Best Way To Handle A Mouse Infestation
DIY prevention tips are not a fix-all solution to mouse problems. If these pests have already invaded your home or you want to ensure that they don’t come inside in the future, your best option is to hire All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our team of committed technicians understands invasive rodents and is standing by with advanced rodent control treatments and traps to get and keep these pests out of your home. We also offer a range of other services to handle other common area pests. Call us today to learn more about our options and find one that fits your Fort Worth home’s needs.