Do you hear rustling sounds and suspect visitors are infiltrating your home through the walls?
If you suspect mice cause these issues, you’re right. These little creatures can cause a lot of damage and become real pests, even though they aren’t as dangerous as other house pests, like bedbugs.
Unless you’re sure of what you’re seeing and hearing, you might not know what’s going on. Therefore we created this simple guide on the silent signs of mice.
Let’s get started!
1. Nests
Mice often take up residence in dark, warm areas of the home, such as open cupboards, attic spaces, basements, and wall voids. Their nests are most often composed of shredded material, such as insulation, fabrics, paper, or nesting material they find outside.
If you notice any signs of mouse activity, it is important to take action and invest in a suitable rodent control solution right away. Taking action by getting rid of mice is important in order to prevent damage to your home and the possibility of diseases they can spread.
2. Tracks
These tracks often appear in dusty areas, as mice have very little fur and create small marks as they scurry through small spaces in your home. You may notice scratch marks along doors or walls as mice use their claws to climb and explore.
As these signs are often so small, a magnifying glass or flashlight can aid in helping to identify tracks and other signs of mice. Prevention is key, so be sure to secure points of entry and keep your home free of clutter and clutter-heavy regions.
3. Noises
Scratching, squealing, and thumping noises can indicate mice are living in your home. If mice have chewed their way inside your home, you may hear their gnawing on walls and furniture.
They also make noise when attempting to find food, often at night when the home is quiet, so you may hear rustling sounds in cupboards or drawers. The squeaks and scampering of baby mice indicate that the pest infestation is worsening. If you identify these noises, it is important to act and contact a pest control company.
4. Droppings
Mice produce tiny dry pellets of feces, which are black or dark brown. These droppings are distributed along the edges of walls, in cupboards, or attic spaces, and can be found scattered on any surfaces that the mice have used. In larger infestations, these poops will be even more many, and you may also find trails of droppings leading from one food source to another.
5. Rub Marks
Most people can spot the physical signs that a mouse has invaded their home, one of the most common being rub marks. Rub marks will typically appear on walls that connect to other walls within a room, and may be found along window frames, doorways, and baseboards. The mouse’s natural habit of flattening its fur against walls causes these rub marks.
It is important to be aware of these rub marks, as they can be one of the first silent signs of an infestation. Ignoring these signs can allow populations to take control of a home, requiring more extensive control measures for complete removal.
6. Gnaw Marks
Gnaw marks are one of the silent signs of mice in your home. Mice have sharp incisors that they used to gnaw through almost any material to get food and shelter. These incisors do not stop growing, so they must be constantly used to wear them down, a characteristic of rodents.
These incisors are used to chew through carpets, walls, and cupboards and can leave telltale to gnaw marks. These marks are usually circular, as the teeth of mice are sharp enough to make a clean cut as they chew. Their irregular teeth pattern can also identify these marks, as opposed to more regular teeth left by rats.
7. Musky Odor
One of the most common silent signs of having mice in your home is the presence of a musky odor. The smell is a result of the accumulation of mouse droppings, urine, and fur that gather in the presence of an infestation. Additionally, when numerous mice are present in a living space, the flora in the environment breaks down and produces a strong, musky odor that lingers.
Lastly, the smell is unique and can also alert homeowners to other issues in the home, such as a plumbing leak and/or mold growth. It is important to act immediately when noticing this smell, as it is usually indicative of a mouse problem.
8. Strange Pet Behavior
Mice in your home are often silent, but their presence will still affect your pet’s behavior. Your pet may start to act irritated or may become skittish, as if they sense the presence of these unwelcome intruders. Pay attention to your pet if they start to spend periods in specific rooms or actively sniff around, as these may be signs of a rodent or mouse infestation.
9. Urine Trails and Holes
Some of the silent signs of mice include the presence of tiny droplets of urine, which are left behind as they run around the house. These urine trails are a sure sign that a mouse is present in your home. In addition, they can chew through drywall and other materials, leaving behind little holes.
These holes may appear small but they are an indicator that a mouse is living in your home. Regularly check around your house to ensure that these silent signs of mice are spotted early and that necessary steps can be taken to ensure they are removed from your home.
Signs of Mice You Must Know
Mice can be a real nuisance in your home, and it’s important to be alert to any silent signs of their presence. If you believe you may have a mouse infestation, contact a qualified pest removal professional immediately. Taking proactive steps to deal with the mice in your home is essential for ridding your home of them and ensuring your family can live in peace.
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