If you’ve spotted a mouse in your house, you’re probably traumatized enough as it is. But did you know that where there is one mouse, there’s probably many more behind the scenes? Think about it: rodents give birth up to 10 times per year, so in just six weeks there could be more than 200 mice nesting in your house.
The worst part is, you don’t know where they’re all hiding. Rodents are excellent hiders, plus they can do a lot of damage to your home behind walls, in insulation, in attics, and more. When should you start worrying about rodent problems? If you see one mouse in your house, this is the time to call a Phoenix pest control company. They can put an end to the cycle of reproduction so that the problem doesn’t get out of control.
Mice: A Year-Round Problem
Mice don’t take a break from reproducing; they can do it year-round. This means that there is a constant risk of infestation. When you spot a mouse scurrying across your kitchen floor, just remember there will be lots of offspring within weeks despite what season we’re in. Rodents have a staggeringly fast reproduction rate, with females having the ability to get pregnant immediately after birth. The gestation period ranges from 19 to 21 days, so you could have a major problem on your hands if that one mouse finds a suitable mate.
While mice reproduce year-round, they are more likely to get inside your home to find warmth. They can squeeze into spaces as tiny as ¼ of an inch wide, which means that any unsealed gaps in your home can invite them in. They can stay hidden in your home till spring and summer when they will emerge, and you will get your first glimpse of one.
Where to Check For Mice
Mice are drawn to places where there is a consistent source of food with the most peace and quiet. They like kitchens for the abundance of food, and they like basements, attics, or crawl spaces for the dark and quiet conditions. You may not see the rodents themselves, but you’ll see traces of their existence, such as droppings behind your washing machine or in corners of your garage.
They will also invade your pantry, where they will feed on boxes of old food that you’ve forgotten on the back shelf. Always keep food in airtight containers to keep them out so they don’t spread disease and bacteria.
Tips For Preventing an Infestation
Heed these tips for keeping rodents at bay:
- Sweep the floor: Be sure to clean the floors regularly to remove crumbs that can attract mice.
- Seal food in containers: Store cereal and other dry food in airtight containers. Do the same for pet food.
- Seal up openings in walls: Keeping mice out in the first place is key to prevention.
- Call a professional: The best way to prevent an infestation is to call a rodent exterminator in Mesa at the first sign of occupancy.
Contact Your Frontino Pest Co.
Don’t worry about rodents. Let us take care of them instead! Contact us at 602-338-9223 to schedule a free quote and inspection on rodent control in Phoenix and surrounding areas.