There are over 70 species of mice in North America. Out of all those species, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest in its ability to be a home-infesting pest. It is aptly called the house mouse. This mouse species, known scientifically as mus musculus, loves living with us so much that there are currently no known wild populations of this species in the entire world. They all live near, or inside, man-made structures, and they live off the food we give them. So you shouldn't be surprised when this mouse gets into your home. You should be even less surprised when it decides it wants to stay permanently. But how does it get into your home in the first place? Your home didn't come with house mice when it was first built. Here are a few facts that are important to consider. They won't just give you insight into how mice get into Auburn homes, they will also help you keep mice out if they haven't gotten into your home yet.
Where House Mice Come From
Before mice come into your yard, they live in the properties around yours. They don't roam your entire neighborhood. They encroach upon one property at a time. This happens naturally as mice reproduce. Here are a few reasons mice may decide to come into your yard:
Mice eat seeds. This is a staple of their diet. If you have bird seed on the ground beneath feeders, you will attract mice.
Mice need water. A mouse is going to be drawn to a property that has puddles of water on the ground or containers that have captured rainwater.
Mice eat the food we eat. If a mouse finds a way into your trash, it can make a meal out of a large selection of foods—and it is not nearly as picky as you are. It won't turn its noise up at something that is starting to decay a little.
Mice eat dead animals. If something comes into your yard and dies in a bush or under your deck, mice may come to feed on the carcass.
Mice eat bugs. If the foundation perimeter of your home has lots of bugs, mice will happily hunt for them, and eat them.
When you take steps to reduce attractants that draw mice near to your home, you reduce your chances of a permanent mouse infestation within your Auburn home.
Why Mice Get Inside
A mouse doesn't know that you have food and water resources inside your home. As they explore your perimeter, they're drawn to cracks, gaps, and other tight spaces. Once inside, they'll move about in your kitchen, pantry, storage areas, and other locations in search of something to eat and drink. They do this naturally. If they don't find anything to eat or drink, they may go back outside. Here are a few ways you might persuade them.
- Keep your home as clean as possible.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Vacuum routinely—including couches and chairs if you eat in your living room.
- Eat only in your dining room and kitchen.
- Put pet food down only during mealtimes. Mice will take advantage of meat and protein food sources.
- Put fruit in the fridge. Fruit is a dietary staple of mice, and they have the ability to climb and jump their way to fruit sitting on kitchen islands, tables, and counters.
- Put your pantry foods in sealed plastic or glass containers. Grains and other pantry items are preferred dietary staples of mice.
- Get leaky faucets fixed to remove water resources.
Keep in mind that mice can get inside when conditions outside are unfavorable, such as in the fall when it gets cold, during the rainy season when there is oversaturation or flooding, and when vibrations in the ground drive them out of areas where buildings are being constructed. If mice get inside only for shelter, it won't matter if you have an ounce of food or a drop of water.
Keeping Mice Out
Along with reducing attractants and altering conditions that are favorable for mouse activity, it is important to seal any entry points in your exterior, particularly around doors, windows, pipes, and other foundation penetrations. But this might not be enough for a determined mouse that is trying to find a hiding place from the cold. If you live in Auburn, Alabama, remember that Prewett Pest Control is here to help you with all your pest control needs, including the removal, reduction, and control of mice. If you have questions or would like to request service, reach out to us today.