House Mice
Latin Name: Mus musculus
House mice are a common pest in Poquoson, VA, especially as the cooler months approach. These small rodents are notorious for seeking warmth, shelter, and food inside homes. Here's what you should know about house mice and their behavior:
When Do House Mice Enter Homes?
- Seasonal Changes: House mice are most likely to enter homes in the fall and winter when outdoor temperatures drop. This is their survival instinct kicking in, as they search for warmer, more stable environments.
- Year-Round Intrusions: While more common during colder months, house mice can invade homes any time of year if they sense easy access to food or shelter.
How Mice Enter Homes
House mice are incredibly agile and resourceful, capable of squeezing through tiny openings. Common entry points include:
- Gaps and Cracks: They can fit through holes as small as a dime. Foundation cracks, gaps around utility lines, and holes in walls are prime entryways.
- Doors and Windows: Improperly sealed doors and windows or gaps at the bottom of door sweeps are frequent access points.
- Rooflines and Attics: They may climb trees or utility lines to access roofs, then enter through vents or gaps.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: Unsealed crawl spaces and basement windows are often overlooked as entry points.
House Mice Characteristics
- Size: Small, typically 2.5 to 4 inches long, with a tail of equal or slightly greater length.
- Color: Usually gray or light brown with a lighter belly.
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on grains, seeds, fruits, and human food scraps.
Preventing House Mice in Poquoson, VA
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and block any small cracks, gaps, or holes with steel wool or caulking.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, bushes, and tree branches trimmed back from your home.
- Reduce Clutter: Declutter areas like basements, attics, and garages to eliminate potential nesting sites
- Contact The Professionals: Let Mares Exterminating bring peace to your home.
Similar Pests: Norway Rat, Roof Rat