White-footed mice are small rodents that can cause significant damage to buildings, contaminate food, and transmit diseases. Newtown-area homes and businesses should seek professional pest control services to manage white-footed mouse infestations.
The white-footed mouse closely resembles the deer mouse, both having a brown or grayish back with a lighter-colored underside. However, deer mice have more distinct color variations between their back and belly. White-footed mice also have large eyes and ears to navigate in the dark.
They range from 5.5 to 8 inches in length, including their tail, which typically accounts for about one-third of their body length. Most weigh less than an ounce.
White-footed mice are omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, grains, fruits, and certain vegetables. They also consume insects such as gypsy moths, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, snails, and beetles, making them important for natural pest control.
These mice are abundant throughout North America, particularly along the eastern U.S. coast. They prefer heavily wooded or brushy areas for protection from predators but can adapt to various habitats, making them one of the most common mammals in Pennsylvania.
White-footed mice build their nests in tree stumps, old logs, and abandoned nests of other rodents or birds. When nesting inside human structures, they conceal their nests in wall voids, basements, attics, kitchen cupboards, and spaces behind major appliances.
White-footed mice can damage upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, and books by nesting or gathering materials for their nests. They also dig up newly planted seeds and bulbs.
They gnaw through siding, insulation, floorboards, and baseboards to find nesting sites and have even been known to chew electrical wires, creating fire hazards.
In search of food, they can contaminate pantries and kitchen cupboards by gnawing through packaging, leading to food waste.
Generally, white-footed mice avoid human contact and are not aggressive unless threatened. However, they can bite if cornered or captured.
These rodents are known carriers of Lyme disease, transmitting the bacteria through deer ticks that feed on them. In rare cases, they can also spread Hantavirus through their urine, saliva, or droppings. Inhalation of contaminated air can cause infection.
Signs of an infestation include:
To reduce the likelihood of an infestation, follow these steps:
Effective rodent control involves species identification, trapping, and baiting. If you suspect a rodent problem, contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced professionals will inspect your property, execute a customized treatment plan, and identify entry points to prevent future infestations.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
Courtesy: Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
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