When to call a mice exterminator

6 signs that you should call a mice exterminator

The following signs are clear indicators that mice have made themselves at home, and it’s time to call in professional help.

1. You see mice droppings

If you see mice droppings in your home, it's a clear sign of mice infestation. Upon discovering droppings, you should immediately contact a professional exterminator to tackle the infestation.

These rodent droppings are not just a sign of mice; they’re a clear indicator of a larger mice infestation issue lurking within your walls or hidden spaces. Dealing with these dirty rodents is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment.

Plus, they can be a health risk for you and your family, so make sure to act quickly, as the timeline for mice removal can increase significantly as you wait.

2. You hear scratching sounds

These annoying noises often come from the walls or ceilings, especially during the quiet of night.

If scratching is paired with squeaks or the patter of scurrying noises, it’s likely you’re dealing with an active mouse infestation.

Beyond the audible clues, keep an eye out for signs of damage. Mice can gnaw through electrical wiring, insulation, and even nesting materials, posing risks beyond mere annoyance.

These damages aren’t just evidence of their presence but also a call to action.

3. You notice damaged food containers

Discovering gnawed edges and punctured lids on your food containers signals a mouse problem that demands an exterminator’s expertise.

When you start noticing these damaged containers in your pantry or kitchen, it’s a clear sign of a mice infestation. Here's what you should also do: 

• Inspect all food packaging for uneven holes and edges, indicative of mice.
• Look for mice droppings near your food packages.

Mice are adept at finding their way into your food storage areas. Acting promptly by calling an exterminator for mice infestation can help safeguard your kitchen and pantry from further damage and contamination.

4. You smell a weird odor in the house

If you start noticing a strange, ammonia-like odor permeating your home, it’s a strong indicator of a possible mice infestation.

The musky odor is often likened to the stench of mouse urine, and can be particularly noticeable in areas less frequented. 

Also, if you have pets, pay close attention to their behavior as well. If they’re pawing at walls or seem unusually interested in certain spots, it’s likely they’re reacting to the presence of mice hidden from your view. 

5. You find mouse nests

These nests often pop up in hidden places that you might overlook during routine cleaning. Mice are crafty creatures, using shredded materials readily available within your home to build their hideouts.

Here's what you should know:

• Common nest locations include closets, basements, and behind appliances, where they find solitude and safety.
• They use fabric, paper, and even furniture stuffing to construct their nests, indicating their presence even without sighting them directly.

Realizing you’ve got mice nests signifies a deeper and more challenging issue—an infestation that requires professional intervention to prevent further damage and ensure the well-being of your home.

6. You see mice in broad daylight

If you see mice scurry around in your home during daylight, call an exterminator right away, because you surely have a bigger infestation inside your walls.

Mice, or Mus musculus, are naturally nocturnal, so spotting them in broad daylight suggests an overcrowded, active mouse population. This is especially true in areas where food supplies are stored or prepared.

Ignoring this could lead to further signs of rodent activity, including damage to walls and essential home structures.

Important: DIY removal methods might seem tempting, but they’re often insufficient for tackling an infestation of mice. Instead, contacting a professional mice exterminator ensures effective solutions.

Should I call the mice pest control company right away?

Determining whether to call a mice pest control company right away hinges on recognizing the severity of your infestation.

If you’re waking up to creepy scratching noises, finding evidence of mice like droppings or a dead mouse, or worse, noticing a family of mice living in the deep spaces of your home, it’s clear you require immediate mice pest control assistance from an expert to help you get rid of the infestation.1

If you're still not convinced, here's what to look for before making a call:

• Evidence of significant damage: Mice can chew through wires, insulation, and even walls, which can lead to costly repairs.
• Persistent presence: If you’re alert at night due to movement and noises, it indicates an uncontrolled population.
• Failed DIY attempts: If traps and home remedies haven’t curbed the issue, professional control for mice infestation is your next step.

Health risks of mice in your home

Mice infestations pose significant health risks due to the diseases they can spread throughout your home.

When basement mice or those nesting in your crawl space start shredding materials for their nests, they’re not just causing property damage — They’re also increasing the risk of health issues, like respiratory illnesses, increases in allergic reactions or even more severe health conditions.

Perhaps more alarming is the potential for a mouse bite. Although less common, the saliva of these rodents can transmit serious diseases.

As explosive mouse populations grow, so does the severity over time of the health risks they pose. 

What are the DIY solutions?

Before you reach out for professional help, you’ve got a few DIY tactics to try out. Here are the most important ones:

• Sealing all entry points: Doing this not only helps in keeping a single mouse or even a dozen mice at bay but also secures your home against field mice and the common house mouse. You’ll protect your electrical cables and other vulnerable areas from the gnawing attempts by humans’ small, uninvited guests.
• Setting mouse traps: Snap traps and bait stations are effective DIY solutions for catching these unwelcome guests. You can find these traps at your local hardware store or online. It’s important to place them in areas where you’ve noticed mouse activity or signs of infestation.
• Use homemade repellents: to combat fleas in your yard effectively, consider utilizing homemade repellents as a practical and natural solution. You’re not just protecting your space; you’re also serving your community by opting for eco-friendly methods. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’ve noticed any of the six signs, it’s crucial to call a mice exterminator without delay. Mice pose serious health risks, and while DIY solutions can offer temporary relief, they often fall short of addressing the problem at its root.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional pest control service to ensure your home is safe and mouse-free. Remember, the sooner you act, the better it is for your health and peace of mind.