Mice are unsightly and irritating, but they can also wreak havoc on your home, spreading illnesses, contaminating food supplies, and chewing everything they can get their little teeth on.

If you’ve seen a mouse scurrying around your house, or if you suspect mice have set up shop somewhere on your property, you should contact a pest control company as soon as possible.

Why should you leave this job to the professionals? What will a pest control company do to exterminate mice? Discover the answers to these and other frequently asked questions below.

Signs of a mouse problem

Some people wait until they see a mouse race across the floor to ask for help from a pest control team. However, there are lots of other signs you can watch for that indicate mice have taken over your home.

The following are some of the most common signs of a mouse problem:

Droppings

Mice can leave dozens of droppings behind every night (between 50 and 80 on average). Mouse droppings are about 3-8 millimeters long and are typically scattered randomly. You’ll find them most often in cupboards, along the tops of cupboards, or along the baseboards.

Grease marks

Mice are dirty, greasy creatures. When their bodies brush against the walls, floors, or baseboards, they often leave dark smears behind.

Urine pillars

In homes with severe mice infestations, you might notice urine pillars. These are small mounds (about four centimeters high) made from a combination of urine, dirt, and body grease.

Scratching sounds

Along with visual signs of a mouse problem, you might also hear scratching or scurrying sounds as they move around in the walls or overhead in the attic. 

Nests

Mice use easily shreddable materials like paper, cardboard, and fabric to build their nests. They often build nests in lofts, attics, suspended ceilings, wall cavities, behind fridges, and under floorboards or stoves.

Tracks

In dusty environments like basements and attics, you might see rodent tracks or tail marks left behind.

If you suspect you have a mouse issue, consider sprinkling flower or talcum powder on the floor at night. Then, look for fresh tracks in the morning.

Strong smell

Mice are known for frequently urinating. Their urine has a strong ammonia-tinged smell. If you notice such an odor in your home, mice are likely the culprit.

Why should you hire a pest control company to get rid of mice?

Could you lay out traps or rely on DIY remedies to manage your mouse problem? Sure. Are these the most effective options? Definitely not.

Hiring a pest control company will help you get rid of mice faster and feel more confident that they won’t return any time soon. Here are some specific  benefits you can enjoy when you trust the professionals:

Fewer chemicals

In many cases, pest control technicians actually use fear chemicals than regular homeowners do. Not only do they have access to higher-quality products that get the job done in smaller amounts, but they can also rely on other chemical-free methods for those who don’t want to be exposed to any harsh ingredients.

Reduced health risks

Because pest control professionals use fewer chemicals (or none at all, depending on the situation), you and your loved ones are less likely to experience irritation or other health issues after your home is treated.

Learning opportunities

Pest control companies don’t just eliminate mice. The best ones also offer education to help residents understand to prevent mice and other pests from entering their homes in the future.

Lower costs

Generally, professional pest control services can help you save money. They will eliminate the mice more quickly, and they protect you from throwing away cash on DIY strategies that don’t work.

What happens during an inspection?

When you reach out to a pest control company initially, they’ll work with you to arrange a time for an inspection. During the inspection, the pest control technician will do the following:

• Walk through your home’s interior, inspecting every room and looking carefully at hidden areas like attics and crawlspaces
• Walk around the perimeter and look for places where mice could enter the house
• Search for signs of infestations (visible signs, strange smells, etc.)
• Evaluate the extent of the damage the mice have caused to your home

You can prepare for the pest control technician’s inspection by taking the following steps:

• Clean the house so the technician can easily focus on key areas
• Clear clutter, especially in tight spaces like attics and basements.
• Providing easy access to the attic, basement, and crawl space
• Empty the cabinets underneath the sinks

After the inspection, the technician will talk to you about their findings and offer their professional recommendation to treat the problem. They’ll discuss their treatment strategy, the cost of service, and how effective it will be.

Mice extermination methods

Pest control companies often use a mix of strategies to address mice infestations and restore your home. The following are some of the safest and most effective options they might utilize:

Humane traps

There are many trap options that don’t harm the mouse but still help the technician get them out of your home. The following are some of the most popular and humane mouse trap types:

• Snap traps: These traps snap shut when a mouse steps on them
• Glue boards: These sticky traps catch mice in their tracks and prevent them from running off
• Bait box traps: Bait box traps lure mice in with food, then close behind them to prevent them from leaving

After their inspection, the technician will let you know which traps they’ll use to get rid of the mice for good.

Decontamination

Mice carry lots of germs and bacteria. They also track germs and bacteria throughout your home, putting you and your loved ones at risk of contracting various illnesses and infections. 

Pest control professionals use decontamination strategies, such as fog machines, to distribute disinfectant throughout your home and kill the germs left behind. 

Sealing entry points

Pest control companies also seal entry points that mice might be using to enter your home. 

During the inspection, they’ll identify all openings. When they return, they’ll block them to make it harder for mice to reenter in the future.

What to look for in a pest control company

A professional pest control company can do an excellent job of eliminating mice and other pests from your home as efficiently as possible. To experience the benefits professionals offer, though, you should make sure you’re hiring the best team for the job.

The following tips can help you vet candidates carefully and make the right choice:

Consider extermination methods

What strategies does the company use to get rid of pests? For example, do they offer eco-friendly, all-natural options for those who are worried about harsh chemical exposure?

Ask about experience

How long has the company been in business? Do they have experience exterminating the types of pests (in this case, mice) that you’re dealing with?

Read reviews

Are past customers generally satisfied with this company’s work? Would they use them again in the future or recommend them to a friend?

Consider service area

Does the company treat properties in your area? How close are they to your home? 

Ask about availability

How soon can a technician get to your home for an inspection? Remember, mice can proliferate and cause damage very quickly, so the sooner you can schedule an appointment, the better.

How to prevent future mice problems

The best pest control professionals will also help you prevent future mouse infestations. They may recommend some or all of the following practices to keep mice at bay:

Maintaining a clean home

Mice are often drawn to cluttered, messy homes with lots of places for them to hide. They will also be more likely to infest your home if you have lots of crumbs on the floor or easily accessible trash cans.

Inspecting your property regularly

Survey your property regularly to check for signs of mice, as well as potential openings they could use to enter the house.

Scheduling regular maintenance appointments

Regular pest control maintenance appointments will help you prevent mice from coming back.

A pest control technician can treat your home consistently to deter mice and keep it clean and hygienic. They can also identify signs that they’re present sooner. 

Exterminate mice and take back your home today

If you notice signs of a mouse infestation in your home, you need to take action immediately. The sooner you get in touch with a pest control company, the sooner you can relax and take back your home.

Do you need help finding a reliable and effective pest control company? Natran Green Pest Control has got you covered with safe and eco-friendly pest control services.
Contact us today for help getting rid of mice, rats, insects, and more.