Who wants to admit to a mouse infestation? But they can happen to even a well-kept house. Mice run indoors for cover from predators, the elements or for food. Unfortunately, mice also bring the dangers of disease, including the Hantavirus. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a deadly disease humans can contract when they come in contact with infected mouse droppings or urine. Although rare, it is deadly. In addition to the threat of disease, mice have been known to gnaw through electrical cords, starting house fires. The best form of protection and prevention from disease and mouse-caused electrical fires is rodent control.
The Telltale Signs of Mouse Infestation
It's the scurry of little feet in the walls. Or the sound of gnawing or squeaking. There's damage to food or other materials in the house. And finally, the presence of mouse droppings, which are 1/8 to 1 inch in length and dark and pointed at both ends. If you have any one of these signs, chances are, you have yourself a mouse infestation. Luckily, there's ways to combat the intruders.
Rodent Control to Fight Mouse Infestation
There are several ways to fight mouse infestation, from the common sense sanitation measures to the more elaborate mouse traps. Because mice can survive in very small areas with limited amounts of food, even the cleanest buildings are not mouse-proof if they store food. Although good sanitation will reduce the likelihood of a mouse infestation, it will not eliminate mice. And, poor sanitation increases your chances of mouse infestations.
Be sure to store food properly, in glass jars, metal canisters or other resealable, airtight containers. Clean areas exposed to food often, ensuring crumbs are not left behind to attract these uninvited dining guests. And wherever food is stored, seal any openings larger than ¼ inch to keep mice out. A good way to seal holes is mixing steel wool with caulk. Don't overlook openings in the foundation, around water pipes, vents, windows or doors. Screens should be checked to ensure proper fitting.
Once you have a mouse infestation, you need to take steps to remove the mice. There are a variety of traps available. They can be broken down to two main types: catch and release or kill traps. Catch and release traps are not recommended because once released outdoors, the mice can find their way back into your home. Also, handling mice exposes you to the risks associated with them.
Kill traps range from the standard spring release to the more advanced electronic variety. Spring traps work by crushing the mice to death. Often, the process is lengthy and results in a mess to clean up. Glue traps work by luring the mice to the sticky surface where they cannot escape. Overtime, the mice die from dehydration, starvation or exposure.
New electronic mouse traps provide a quick death and mess-free cleanup. Mice enter the trap where they are shocked and instantly killed. The body is dropped into a drawer. The most effective and easiest to use electronic mouse traps can store up to 10 bodies before needing to be deposited. Once the trap is opened, the shocking mechanism is deactivated, which is why this is a safer way to eliminate mice. Other traps run the risk of harming pets or children, or even your fingers when setting them.
To keep your family safe, electronic traps are recommended. Highly effective at eliminating a mouse infestation, they are also easy to use and humane for the mice.
