Sometimes it’s the smallest things that cause the most damage to your Dallas property. Mice might seem harmless because they are so small. But, it’s their size that makes them a menace. They can sneak into your home through tiny openings, then wreak havoc by chewing on wiring, reproducing, and spreading disease.
Once you realize mice have infested your home, removing them quickly matters. Knowing the answer to questions like, “How long do mice usually live?” can help you decide how to exterminate them.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Mouse?
Mice have several natural predators, so they only live a few months in the wild. When they move into a safe and cozy human home filled with water and food sources, they can live up to two years. During this time, they can have babies every few months, growing their nests and creating serious problems for unsuspecting homeowners.
The pesky rodents will find food and water anywhere they can. They’ll even lick condensation off of pipes. Even more, they are resilient creatures that can live for months without a water source because they get hydration from food.
When in the wild, they do not breed as temperatures drop. However, mice living in warm human homes breed all year, which can exacerbate the infestation as the babies make new nests and have babies of their own. One mouse can have up to 35 babies in one year!
Signs You May Have Mice in Your Home
Even if you don’t see mice in your home, you could still have them. They are experts at hiding, but they leave messes. If you have mice in your home, you’ll see droppings on the floor, grease marks on walls, and scratching or gnawing marks on furniture. You’ll also hear scratching sounds in your walls and smell an unpleasant odor.
Because mice are nocturnal, you’re most likely to see them if you are wandering around your home at night.
Preventing Mice Infestations
The worst thing you can do if you have an infestation is to wait and see if they go away because they won’t. If you don’t take care of the problem, mice will spread diseases and damage your home. Cats and dogs might kill a few, but they won’t fix the problem. Mice devour pet food, so having pets could encourage mice to stay.
The best way to prevent mice infestations is to keep your house clean, put your food in pest-proof storage containers, and seal potential entrances. Mice can squeeze into a space the diameter of a dime, which means that they can easily access homes with foundation damage, broken window screens, and garage doors that don’t fully close.
Even the cleanest homes can still have mice in them. Keep your garbage bins away from your doors and windows. You can also prevent infestations by keeping clutter, like piles of newspapers, clothing, and boxes, out of your home.
What To Do if You Suspect a Mouse Infestation
Most do-it-yourself solutions will not remove mouse infestations. If you have mice living in your home, the experts at Romney Pest Control can inspect your home and develop a solution that works. Our experienced technicians have the training and experience to remove mice permanently from your property.
Don’t let mice damage your home and make it unhealthy for your family and pets. Contact our professional exterminators at Romney Pest Control today!
