It is never a good sign to find mice in your home. Even noticing one mouse is representative of a more significant underlying issue. One mouse typically represents many mice, which will likely require professional mice removal. 

Because of the rapid reproduction rate of mice and other rodent species, a couple of mice in a home will turn into dozens, hundreds, or even thousands, depending on how long the problem goes untreated. People will usually see an increase in indoor rodent activity in the winter because houses and other buildings offer warmth. Unfortunately, many property owners feel the problem will disappear once the warmer weather returns.

Will mice evacuate your property in early spring, or will they nest long term? To put it simply, when mice are comfortable, they tend to stay put.

Mice and Your Home

Your home is a structure that provides warmth and security. All of the benefits your house gives you are the same advantages it offers mice and other rodents. The problem is mice are much smaller than other pests, and they can fit through some of the most minor cracks or openings, typically 1/4 of an inch. 

Beyond warmth, residential properties also provide a sustainable food source. Despite the best efforts of homeowners, it is often impossible to eliminate every crumb or secure every potential food source. Mice are persistent, and they will find a way to survive.

Winter Versus Spring

There is a common misconception that rodents will evacuate a house on their own once the weather warms. While it might be true that rodents made their way indoors when the weather got cold, there is no indication that any animal will leave a property that has provided food, shelter, and security.

Mice may wander away from time to time, but they will, in all likelihood, return. Once an animal experiences the security of a manmade structure, it will usually want to stay for as long as possible.

Over the winter months, mice have had time to build nests, reproduce, and establish communities. They will usually need encouragement to leave, and most DIY solutions are not going to cut it, especially when facing a significant infestation. Additionally, DIY methods are often cruel, resorting to unnecessary means of elimination.

Signs of a Mouse Infestation

While you might not notice a single mouse residing in your home, it is fairly difficult to ignore an infestation. Rodent colonies will produce strong urine or musky odour. You might also notice runways or grease marks around the perimeter of your home. Additionally, if you inspect the trim work and cords in your house, you might see gnaw marks.

Listen closely for scurrying or scratching sounds in your walls or ceilings at night. Additionally, pay close attention to your pets. Cats and dogs tend to have better hearing than people, so they might react to noises that escape you. If you notice your pet constantly staring at the walls or ceilings or whining and growling at nothing, you might have a rodent problem.

Professional Pest Control Services

Many big-box chains sell DIY pest solutions. While a mousetrap might seem like a good idea, it is ineffective and unnecessarily cruel. By the time you notice a rodent problem, there are likely more mice than any single trap can deal with. The most efficient solution is to call professional pest control services.

Have you recently heard strange scurrying noises or seen a mouse fleeing your pantry? If so, do not waste another minute researching what to do. Call a Truly Nolen specialist and schedule a property assessment. The company will send a technician to investigate your claims and offer a solution.