Mice can make great pets. They can also be relentless pests. What determines whether a mouse will be friend or foe? It all comes down to cleanliness and containment. As long as mice are raised in a clean and caged environment there is no reason they shouldn’t be kept as pets. Mice only become dangerous once they are allowed to choose what they eat and where they roam. If you do not know much about mice and how dangerous they can be, we have some information for you. Here is everything you ought to know about keeping mice out of your Salt Lake City home this summer.
The Common House Mouse
Many species of mice exist here in Salt Lake City, but none are as problematic or common as the house mouse. These two and a half inch long rodents can be identified by their dusty grey bodies and cream-colored bellies. Mice are generally smaller, rounder, and have more triangular snouts than rats. Another thing that sets mice apart is their ability to squeeze through even the smallest of holes. How small can the hole be? The size of a nickel. If you have a nickel on you, pull it out and ask yourself, “does my home have any holes this big or bigger?”
When inside homes, house mice will do their best to stay out of sight. It helps that they are nocturnal and only tend to venture out into homes after everyone has gone to sleep. The only time mice will show themselves during the day is if their populations have grown out of control, or if they get hungry enough and are looking for a mid-day snack. Where do mice sleep during the day? In their nests which they have constructed either out of shredded paper, cardboard, or fabric. Where are these nests located? Most likely deep inside of a wall, ceiling void, or somewhere in the attic.
Can Mice Be Dangerous?
Despite their small size and adorable faces, mice are in fact quite dangerous. This danger usually stems from their upbringing. Turns out eating trash, wallowing around in sewers, and scavenging from dead animals can lead to disease -- disease that can be spread to homeowners like you. Just a few common diseases house mice have been known to carry include salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rat bite fever. When cleaning up after pest mice, it is highly recommended to wear protective gear as the diseases they carry are most often spread through their fecal matter and urine.
Are Mice Difficult To Get Rid Of?
The short answer to this question is yes. Due to how mice invade and how fast they can reproduce, removing them from your home can be quite difficult. If you catch an infestation early, however, there are a few things you can try before searching out professional help. Our experts recommend placing traps baited with peanut butter in the backs of cabinets, near holes in your wall, and around other areas you suspect mice have been roaming. If no results are seen within a week, call a professional.
Who To Call If Mice Get In Your Salt Lake City Home?
When it comes to rodent control, no-one does a better job than Pest Pro Pest Control. If you suspect your home has been invaded by potentially dangerous mice, we have fast and effective solutions to get them out. Reach out to our team today to schedule your Salt Lake City home for a rodent inspection, or for any questions about our pest control methods.