Mice are small rodents that can cause big problems in your home or business. From gnawed wires to contaminated food, a mouse problem can escalate fast. Here's everything you need to know about mice, from how to spot them to what to do when you find one.
Mice are among the most common rodents in the United States. They're fast breeders, resourceful foragers, and surprisingly agile, able to squeeze through a gap as small as a dime.
Mice are primarily nocturnal, which means you're more likely to hear them than see them. They tend to nest close to food sources and can set up a colony inside your walls, attic, or crawl space without you knowing for weeks.
There are dozens of mouse species found across the U.S., but a handful are the ones most likely to show up in your home or business. Here's a quick look at the most common.
The western harvest mouse is one of the smallest rodents in the western U.S. It has brownish fur, a pale belly, and builds distinctive spherical grass nests in meadows and grasslands. Nocturnal and seed-loving, it rarely enters homes but may turn up in outbuildings.
The cactus mouse is a desert-adapted rodent found across the arid Southwest. It measures six to eight inches in total length and can survive without drinking water, getting moisture from seeds and cactus fruits. It prefers rocky desert terrain and rarely enters occupied buildings.
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You often know you have a mouse problem before you ever see one. Here are the most common signs of mice to watch for:
The CDC advises that it's easier to control rodents before they establish themselves, so acting on early signs is key.
Keeping mice out starts with removing what draws them in. Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and your foundation, since mice can squeeze through openings as small as one-quarter of an inch. Store food and pet food in airtight containers, reduce clutter, keep firewood away from the house, and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Our rodent exclusion services help to seal your property against future entry using proven methods that store-bought fixes can't match.
If you're dealing with an active infestation, professional help is the most reliable path forward. Mice reproduce quickly, with a single female capable of producing up to 35 offspring per year.
At Western Exterminator, our technicians are trained to find where mice are nesting, how they're getting in, and what's drawing them to your property. We use targeted treatments and proven exclusion methods to help address the problem at its source, not just the symptoms.
Our mouse control services cover both residential and commercial properties. Book a free inspection today.
House mice typically live for about one to two years in the wild, though they can live longer in protected indoor environments. Their short lifespan is offset by their rapid reproduction rate, which is why infestations can grow quickly.
The common house mouse measures between 2.5 and 3.75 inches in body length, with a tail of roughly the same length. They typically weigh less than an ounce, which is part of what makes them so good at slipping through tiny gaps.
Mice can enter through any gap or crack roughly the size of a dime. Common entry points include gaps around pipes and utility lines, cracks in the foundation, damaged door sweeps, and openings around vents or air conditioning units.
Yes, mice can pose health risks. According to the CDC, rodents can spread diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella through their droppings, urine, and nesting materials. If you suspect a mouse problem, avoid handling droppings directly and contact a pest professional.
The most effective way to address a mouse infestation is to work with a pest control professional. Our technicians will inspect your property, identify entry points, and put a targeted treatment plan in place.
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