GET RID OF MICE LEVITTOWN, PA

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Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night and discovered a furry intruder in the kitchen?

If so, you're not alone. Mice are among the most prevalent pest problems in Levittown. This is especially true in the fall and winter when temperatures drop and rodents are more likely to seek shelter in homes.

Putting an end to a mouse infestation isn't easy. A female mouse can reproduce as soon as every 25 days. However, it can be done with the assistance of a licensed pest management professional. Having mice in the house puts your family in danger of getting seriously ill, and these pests also are destructive. Accordingly, it's wise to act fast whenever you suspect an infestation.

WHY DO MICE COME AROUND

Mice invading homes is a common occurrence in Levittown, especially during the fall and winter months. Between October and February, mice and other rodents enter about 21 million homes across the United States.

The warmth of residential environments is one reason why mice seek refuge during the colder months of the year. It is not uncommon to discover mice nests concealed behind kitchen appliances or nestled at the rear of refrigerators, as these areas radiate heat and offer a cozy hiding spot. Rodents outside can detect the warmth of a building through wall openings, so they purposefully let themselves in to further pursue these areas.

The lure of a readily available food source is another incentive for mice to venture indoors. Although these pests are omnivores, they tend to prefer a diet of seeds, grains, fruits, and anything high in carbohydrates. However, they are not picky eaters. A house mouse can subsist on just an ounce of food and water a day, even if the food is rotten.

HOW TO DETECT A MOUSE INFESTATION

The presence of mouse droppings is one of the biggest indicators of an infestation. These may be found out of plain sight, and are more common in pantries, storage, and other areas of the home where a mouse may have been. Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice, measuring between 1/8th and 1/4th of an inch. They are also pointed at one end and usually have hair in them.

Even after finding a few droppings, it can still be difficult to tell if there is an active rodent population. Maybe the droppings are old, or instead of an infestation, there are only a couple of lost mice in the household. One way to eliminate these uncertainties is to clean the area. If droppings are present after you’ve cleaned, this means that there is an active rodent presence. Be sure to use a mask and gloves when cleaning to avoid getting sick.

Unusual and unpleasant smells are another sign of rodent activity. In addition to feces and urine, the carcass of a rodent can produce a horrid smell. A noxious mix of sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and other chemicals combine and become trapped in the home. Decaying mice are almost a given if an infestation is truly present. They are often caught in between walls or under floorboards, which is why the smell continues to linger even after the mice are gone. Since a dead rodent may be smelled from several feet away, it can be difficult to find its exact location.

Other signs of a mouse infestation include:

• Sightings of mice, especially during the day when they’re less active
• Chew marks on food packaging, drywall, or furniture
• Nests buried away in concealed or otherwise inaccessible areas
• Scurrying sounds within walls or floorboards
• Streaks or stains of grease on walls, which come from mice consistently using the same pathways

If you’re having trouble detecting a mouse infestation, contact a reputable pest management company in Levittown. A rodent exterminator will offer a free home inspection as part of their service, which will help greatly in determining whether or not your home has a mouse problem. Often they will be able to tell you the root cause of the infestation as well, such as unsecured trash or broken piping.

HOW TO GET RID OF MICE

As often seen in cartoons, setting out a trap is a common response to a mouse infestation. Unfortunately, just like in those cartoons, a couple of traps can be outsmarted by mice. Plus, if the home has a large mouse population, it's impossible to set enough traps for all of them.

The trouble is that mouse traps don't go far enough when it comes to controlling rodents. They may address part of the problem, but they don't eliminate it.

This is because traps do nothing to keep mice from entering your home. To properly do this, it's imperative that you figure out where the mice are accessing your house and then close off that access point. Admittedly, this can be tricky, so it's sensible to hire an exterminator to identify and eliminate access points.

Additionally, conventional mouse traps may not entice rodents. Perhaps the traps aren't placed in a spot through which the mice travel or they aren't baited with something that is suitably tempting. Keep in mind too that a mouse trap is really only effective at eliminating one individual at a time. A snap trap must also be emptied of the dead mouse and reset before each new usage. Where there is a large population, this approach is not realistic.

However, when you work with a professional pest control company, you can rest assured that a variety of bait stations and traps will be utilized. This helps to eliminate more of the population in an efficient manner.

CAN YOU FULLY GET RID OF MICE?

Yes, but several steps are required to accomplish this task.

It is critical that all holes and cracks in the building's exterior be covered or filled so that new mice cannot get indoors. Then, it is necessary to set bait stations and traps that will kill the mice that are already inside. Bait for a mouse trap will need to be set tactfully to achieve impactful results.

At the same time, it is vital that homeowners do their utmost to change a few lifestyle habits. For instance, it makes sense to put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of letting them sit in the sink.

Another critical practice is cleaning up food and beverage crumbs and spills as soon as they happen. Mice have an extraordinarily powerful sense of smell. Even a few crumbs may entice them to your kitchen. By keeping things tidy, you can eliminate this temptation.

Because pet food can be a significant attraction for mice, it is a good idea to keep this item stored. Bring out just enough for mealtime, and then replace it in a metal or glass container with a tight lid that can resist the determined efforts of rodents.

If you remain vigilant about keeping things clean, eliminating holes and cracks in the building's exterior and scheduling regular pest control appointments if necessary, you can fully get rid of mice.

HOW DO YOU KEEP MICE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE?

Mice are pretty small, and they may be able to squeeze through a hole that is no larger in diameter than a dime. Additionally, mice use the strong sense of smell to lead them unerringly to food. This means that they will exploit even the smallest cracks in an effort to get into your house.

The best way to keep mice out of your house is to ensure that there are no access points. This means looking for and filling or covering any holes or cracks that you find in your home's siding or foundation.

Be certain to take a look at any spots on your home's exterior where plumbing or wiring enter the interior. Gaps in these spots are common entry points for mice. Cover these gaps so they cannot be used.

Gaps around window and door frames are other examples of entry points. Use weather stripping to close off these gaps.

It also may be wise to ensure that no trees or plants are touching the exterior of the home, as these only make it easier for mice to access your home.

WILL MICE LEAVE IF THERE'S NO FOOD?

If you eliminate all food from the residence, then it may be possible that you will see fewer mice. Unfortunately, they all will not leave because your home still provides a cozy place to nest. It may be quite easy for the mice to forage outdoors, then return to your home.

Plus, it is not realistic to eliminate food from your home. After all, you live there, and it is only natural that you would eat most of your meals there.

WHAT IS THE BEST MOUSE DETERRENT?

The best way to deter mouse activity is by sealing up your home and using good cleaning practices in the kitchen and anywhere that food is consumed in your home. Many articles may be found online, each one describing the best deterrents for pests. Unfortunately, most of these remedies just are not effective.

If you believe that you have mice, the best thing you can do is call a trusted exterminator who can safely and efficiently put an end to the problem.

WILL MICE BITE YOU IN YOUR SLEEP?

Generally, mice prefer to avoid people, but bites do occur, sometimes while the victim sleeps. This is an especially common occurrence with the elderly and small children.

These segments of the population are the most frequent bite victims because they are likely to go to bed with traces of food around their mouths and hands. Even a tiny amount of food will attract mice, and bites occur as they try to eat the traces of food.

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF MICE IN THE WALLS?

Mice love hard-to-reach places like wall voids because they know that their nests are less likely to be detected. They will often chew on insulation and use it for nesting material. Unfortunately, it can be really hard to dislodge a mouse family that is established in the walls.

Exterminators have the tools and know-how that are necessary to draw most of the individuals in the nest out into the open where they can be trapped or poisoned. It also may be possible for the exterminator to locate the nest in the walls so that it can be removed. This may be essential if any dead mice or babies are left behind in the nest.

DETERRING RODENTS FROM RETURNING

Once rodents are removed from a household, it is important to implement preventative measures. Otherwise, they may return and start multiplying once again. Continuing to maintain your rodent-free living space is a two-part process. Cleaning the home will disincentivize nesting spots and remove food sources, while sealing entry points will stop mice—and other pests— from gaining access indoors. Some homeowners opt for additional pest control services to supplement their efforts. The ultimate goal is to have peace of mind knowing that rodents can’t come back in the house.

Holes and gaps as small as the width of a pencil can be exploited by mice, so thoroughly inspecting for these weak spots is a solid prevention method. Be sure to check both the interior and exterior of your home. Pay special attention to floor vents, drains, crawl spaces, and the foundation of your home, as these are the most typical areas that require treatment.

Any entry points that are found should be sealed with rodent-proof material; something that mice can’t chew through. Options like steel wool or cement are highly effective. Extend this sealing effort to outbuildings and garages, as these structures are also susceptible to rodent intrusion.

Of course, fortifying a home against rodents works best in conjunction with a clean, clutter-free home. Organize commonly obstructed areas, like garages and attics, to eliminate potential hiding spots. It will also be worthwhile to avoid storing things that attract rats or mice. Firewood and pet food, for example, are known to provide shelter and a food source for mice. Items like these should be securely stored away from floors and corners.

For a more comprehensive approach, contact your local pest control company for rodent exclusion services. Professional exterminators possess the tools and expertise to find entry points that may otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, they will do the cleaning and sanitizing for you. While organizing your home will deter rodents from coming back, only sanitizing will eliminate the risk of disease transmission. This is particularly the case if a dead mouse was found.

HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS

Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.

Levittown area residents who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.

Schedule a FREE estimate today.

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