Although mice and other rodents can be a year around problem, you may begin to see rodents invading homes more aggressively during this time of year. As the seasons begin to change, rodents become will begin to look for a warm place with a reliable food source. One rodent particularly you can find invading homes during the fall and winter season is deer mice. Deer mice will spend much of their time outdoors but will invade homes to escape the winter hardships. Stewart Termite & Pest Control will share more about deer mice and basic rodent control.
How Do You Identify a Deer Mouse?
Deer mice are a common rodent species that can be found all throughout North America. Deer mice will invade homes, sheds, and commercial buildings. With a diverse diet consisting of fruits, berries, nuts, seeds and insects, they can thrive in most climates. Named for their similar coloring to deer, deer mice are a light brown color with a white underbelly. They also have very big, black deer like eyes, which helps them to see well, as they mostly forage after dusk. Deer mice are small, reaching between 5 to 8 inches long including their tail.
Where are Deer Mice Commonly Found?
During the warmer seasons, deer mice will stick to the outdoors and hide in hollow trees or fence posts. They will also nest in large piles of debris or firewood piles. Deer mice are most often drawn to homes or storage units where they can find warm places to hide. When deer mice invade homes or other human domains, they do pose serious health risks.
What Diseases Can You Get from Deer Mice?
Deer mice are known to carry the Hantavirus which is transferred by contact with a deer mouse carcass or by breathing in aerosolized urine droplets. There is an estimated 15% to 20% of all deer mice that are infected with the Hantavirus. Luckily, the Hantavirus can die shortly after sunlight exposure. However, if an infected mouse enters inside the home, the Hantavirus may not be naturally treated.
How Do You Get Rid of Deer Mice?
To keep deer mice and other rodents out of your home, you will want to make sure to seal up your home. Mice can squeeze through tight spaces and are known to enter through gaps the diameter of a pencil or the size of a dime. It can be difficult to keep mice out as they can squeeze or chew their way in. When sealing up your home, begin inspecting the exterior walls, windows, and door framing for holes or gaps. You can use a concrete putty to repair patches and holes. Mice won’t be able to chew through it. Also inspect all exterior doors and windows. Make sure they are shut tightly. If doors are crooked, or require new weather-stripping, make sure to have the doors repaired before late fall. Also consider covering attic vents, dryer vents, chimneys and other exhaust vents that can allow rodents to enter your home. You can use a metal screen to block these weaknesses in the home but still allow adequate ventilation or air flow.
Rodent Control
For those who have ongoing battles with deer mice or other rodents, contact a pest control service. We can place traps, baits, and deterrents to help keep rodents away and out of your home. For quality pest control services, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control today.