High Contrast Mode:

field mice Poquoson va

Field Mice

Latin Name: Peromyscus maniculatus

Field mice are a common nuisance in Poquoson and surrounding areas. They can enter homes through tiny cracks, poorly sealed doors, or roof access, searching for food and shelter as temperatures drop. Once inside, they contaminate food, spread disease, and damage by chewing wires and insulation. Preventing infestations involves sealing entry points, tidying yards, and securing food storage.

Field Mice Habitat

Field mice thrive in grassy fields, wooded areas, and farmland, which is plentiful in Poquoson and surrounding areas due to the region's mix of rural and suburban environments. Dense vegetation, fallen leaves, and cluttered yards also make excellent hiding and nesting spots for these rodents.

Field Mice Behavior

Field mice are primarily active at night and are skilled climbers who can jump considerable heights. These traits make it easy for them to enter homes through small openings or gaps.

Field Mice Facts

As omnivores, field mice feed on seeds, grains, fruits, and small insects. Inside homes, they scavenge for crumbs, stored food, and pet supplies, making kitchens and pantries common hotspots.

How Field Mice Find Their Way Indoors

Field mice can use various entry points, particularly as the weather cools. Their small size and agility allow them to infiltrate homes through even the tiniest openings.

  • Small Gaps and Cracks: Field mice can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter inch, including cracks in foundations, siding, and gaps around utility pipes.

  • Doors and Windows: Poorly sealed doors or damaged window screens are easy access points, as are gaps in weatherstripping at the base of doors.

  • Roof Access: Overhanging branches or ivy on walls provide pathways to the roof, where mice can enter through vents or chimney openings.

  • Basements and Crawlspaces: Openings in crawlspace vents or poorly sealed basement doors are particularly common in homes around Poquoson, which often feature these architectural elements.

  • Garages: Mice are attracted to garages with stored food, pet supplies, and nesting materials. Open doors or gaps along the edges of the garage doors create inviting opportunities for entry.

Tips For Keeping Mice Away

To keep field mice at bay, take proactive steps to secure your home and property:

  • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes and seal them with caulk or steel wool to prevent mice from entering.

  • Tidy Landscaping: Trim tree branches, remove brush, and maintain a clutter-free yard to eliminate hiding spots near your home's foundation.

  • Store Food Securely: To reduce attractants, store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills or crumbs.

  • Secure Trash: Ensure trash is stored in rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.

  • Inspect Crawlspaces and Attics: Verify that vent screens are intact and free of gaps, and check for any potential entry points around these areas.

Contact The Pros

Field mice pose significant home risks, including spreading disease, contaminating food, and causing structural damage by chewing through wires and insulation. If you suspect an infestation, it's critical to address it promptly. Mares Exterminating offers professional pest control services to effectively eliminate field mice and safeguard your home from future invasions.