What Can You Do About a Mouse Infestation?

One or two mice, rats, chipmunks, or squirrels aren’t an infestation on their own, but they are often signs that there are many more where they came from. Here are some signs to watch for, especially as seasons change and cooler temperatures set in:

Signs of an Infestation

Droppings – this is a key way to know that the pests are setting up shop and finding a food source; it’s also a way to identify the precise pest you’re dealing with and how concentrated the population is

Urine Odor – an unusual musky odor can be a clear sign that mice have moved in; pets will be especially drawn to the odor and their interest could help point to an infestation

Gnaw Marks – all rodents are known for their destructive chewing behaviors, and they don’t limit themselves, chewing on electrical cables, wooden cupboards, doors, and baseboards, drywall, and even piping and rubber gaskets; the type of marks and their locations can help to identify the pest

Nests and Tracks – rodents can leave tracks marking their runs both indoors and outside, often along vertical elements like walls or fences, though they also frequent nearby trees; nests may be located both indoors and outdoors and are made from a variety of materials collected on your property

Besides these common signs to look for in the living spaces of your home, seasonal checks of your home’s attic and entire exterior, including the roof, eaves, and soffit intersections are vital. If you notice any areas that have been compromised or if you see what appears to be chewed material, it’s likely that rodents of some sort are the culprits. Chipmunks may make an attempt to enter via rotted window sills or under attached structures, like a wooden deck. 

Mice and rats will often focus on invading at a lower level. Look for gnawed pipes or enlarged free space around existing infrastructure, like electrical tubing. Mice will often use your home’s utility networks as a superhighway, chewing around and enlarging entry and exit points for easy access.

How To Get Rid of Mice in Your Apartment or House

Taking a few DIY steps can ensure that you’ve done your due diligence and protected your property against invading rodent pests. Here are some of our best tips for homeowners to follow:

Address Potential Entry Points – In spring and fall, as rodents tend to exit and enter, respectively, do a thorough check for any gaps or compromised seals that could provide even the smallest gap for them to squeeze through. Use a durable sealant along with rough materials, like steel wool, to prevent rodent invasions.

Keep Your Property Tidy – Any food scraps that are left out indoors, or those that are disposed of outdoors can be a feast for a hungry rodent. It doesn’t take much to sustain them, so be sure that removing organic waste that could be a food source for resident rodents is a daily chore.

Use Traps or Bait Boxes – There are many kinds of traps on the market, and some work better than others. Regardless of which type you use, you will be limited in just how much of a dent in the population you can make and it could be hard to get a clear picture of the level of infestation by using traps alone. Bait boxes use poison and will contain the mouse within a structure to protect your family and pets from the poisoned rodent.

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still suspect that mice are living in your home, it could be time to call in a mouse exterminator expert to address the issue.

Why You Need a Professional

Even with all entry points sealed, an immaculate property, and armed with traps and bait boxes, you could still find yourself facing a rodent invasion. Particularly hungry, thirsty, cold or hot rodents are desperate and they may find a way into your home. Professional exterminators understand rodents’ behavior and can quickly work to pinpoint nests and entry points that even the most observant homeowner could miss. So if it seems that you can’t get rid of a rodent infestation on your own, consider finding a professional rodent control expert. Besides knowing what to look for, they are also versed in the safe and proper use of any necessary chemical applications.

Contact Cleveland Bee Removal for All of Your Pest Control Needs

Our mouse exterminators are dedicated to client satisfaction, and we're committed to your needs. We'll even answer your call for help after our normal operating hours. Our thorough inspections will identify nests and entry points, evaluate potential problem areas, and eradicate your current rodent problem.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Prompt and professional service
• Quick response times
• Thorough work

For a licensed rodent extermination service in Cleveland, OH, that works around your schedule, choose Cleveland Bee Removal. Call us today to reserve an appointment!