As the weather decreases, mice and other pests that live outside begin looking for warmer locations to nest for the winter. Your nice, warm house or apartment building may be their best option in cities like Sydney.
The first step in getting rid of a mouse is determining whether or not one has entered your home. House mice reproduce swiftly if left unchecked, and they can do extensive damage to your walls, building, electrical equipment, and personal possessions.
If you think you have a mouse in your snug townhouse or apartment, here are 9 rodent indications to watch for. If you notice one or more of these indications in a row, it’s probably time to call your exterminator.
9 Symptoms to Look Out For
- Droppings
- Noises of Scratching
- Dour
- Gnawing
- Holes
- Runways
- Nests
- Urine Pillars
- Exceptional Pet Behavior
Droppings
Mouse droppings range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length and resemble dark rice grains with tapering ends. Fresh droppings are typically dark brown, but they may brighten over time.
Droppings are frequently discovered in mice dining areas, such as kitchen cupboards, pantries, and other food storage spaces.
The number of droppings you find can give you an idea of how bad the infestation is.
Scratching Noises
Scratching noises in the middle of the night could be a mouse racing around your house looking for food or shelter.
You might hear these sounds emanating from behind walls, in the ceiling, or across the floor as they move around.
Smell
Mice have a unique, musky odor caused by ammonia or urine. Mice use this odor to indicate their area and establish themselves.
The odor may be more obvious in enclosed spaces such as pantries, drawers, and cabinets.
Mouse scents that intensify over time could suggest an increase in the number of mice in your home.
Mice that have died can also emit unpleasant, decaying scents.
Scratches and Gnaw Marks
Mice will chew on inedible items such as wood, plastic, wires, and electrical wiring to file down their teeth.
Look for grooves and lines around the baseboards and cracks and holes in the walls.
Gnaw marks and scratches are typically modest and well-cut, with two parallel grooves spaced 1 to 2 mm apart.
Scratching and biting can cause structural damage to your property if left unattended.
Hole
Damaged pieces of walls or paneling, a small gap or hollowed crack in the foundation, or space produced by disintegrating mortar might all be signs of mice.
Look for holes behind and beneath kitchen cabinets, in closets, around doors and floor vents, and where the floor meets the wall.
Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime; thus, no matter how little, every hole should be found and sealed.
Runway
Mouse runways resemble dirty or greasy smudges on floors and baseboards caused by their bodies and fur rubbing against the surface.
Mice prefer to go in the same direction night after night, resulting in these distinct tracks.
Check the walls and sidings of your home with a flashlight for any smudges or discoloration that could be mouse tracks or rub marks.
Nests
Mice like to make nests from soft household materials like fabric, shredded paper, and insulation.
Nests are usually found in dimly lit areas, for example, behind walls and huge appliances or inside cabinets and drawers.
Mice prefer to build their nests near food sources. Thus they’re more likely to be found in pantries or cupboards containing food.
Urine Pillars
You might find “urine pillars” in a mouse infestation, which are little mounds of grease, dust, dirt, and urine up to 4 cm high and 1 cm broad.
Mice have been residing and moving about in that region for some time, as evidenced by urine pillars.
Basements, attics, cupboards, and drawers are all good places to look for these little mounds.
Weird Pet Behaviors
If your pet hears or smells a mouse in your house, they may become too interested in that location.
They may appear agitated, make a vocal response such as barking, scratch at gaps under refrigerators, stoves, or low-clearance furniture.
Where Should You Look for Mice in Your House?
Mice may slip into very tight spaces thanks to their flexible skeletons, so knowing where to look for indications can be useful. There are several obvious places to check if you fear a mouse has infiltrated your home or apartment.
Mice Signs in the Home
Mice may burrow through attic insulation and shred soft objects such as cardboard, paper, and fabrics for use in their nests. Look for chew marks on wood in your attic and listen for shuffling or scraping sounds.
Fill in any gaps or breaches outside your house to keep mice out of your home.
Mice Signs in Your Basement
Mice can get into your basement through air vents, holes in the walls, and find faults. Examine cardboard, storage goods, and wiring for bite marks, and seek potential nests in dark or dimly lighted locations.
To prevent mice from entering your basement, make sure there are no food or water sources nearby to attract them. Pet food, garbage, and scraps from your garden or fruit trees are examples.
Mice Signs in Wall Cavities
Mice use dark, concealed locations like crawlspaces, suspended ceilings, and beneath stairwells to go about without being seen. They can enter these areas through cracks and gaps in the walls and vents.
Listen for scratching or shuffling noises, and smell for musty odours emanating from the vents. Keep mice out of your walls by keeping them dry and well-sealed.
How to Keep Mice Out of Your House
Here are some mouse-proofing tips to keep them out of your house.
- Vacuum regularly to reduce clutter.
- Keep food sealed and properly stored.
- Don’t let trash pile up.
- Use trash cans with easy-to-open lids.
- Fill up wall gaps and crevices.
- Steel wool or copper mesh can be used to fill large holes.
- Door sweeps should be installed.
- Wire screens should be used to cover ventilation ducts.
B2B Pest Control
B2B Pest Control can assist you if you have a mouse problem in your home or flat. Our courteous and skilled pest professionals will help you find the best solution with their years of Eco-friendly pest management experience. Give us a call or send us an email using our contact form!
