Why do mice and rats come into the house?

Both mice and rats invade homes for food and shelter. Although there are incidences where mice live far away from human populations, colder weather often causes mice to locate their way into structures looking for shelter and food. Drought may also drive them inside to find water. Their continual gnawing causes damage to structures and property.

Should I worry about mice and rats in the house?

Rats and mice will destroy and contaminate large amounts of food or items in storage, as well as they carry a number of diseases that can be passed to humans. Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property. House mice consume food meant for humans or pets. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Be cautious in the process of removing mice or rat droppings from any area. Rodent droppings and the dust surrounding them may contain disease organisms which are harmful to people or their pets. They are believed to cause many fires every year when they gnaw through electrical wires and cause short-circuits. They also cause untold data loss and downtime when they gnaw on telephone and other communication and network cables. Mice Rats can also damage stored products, especially clothing and other textiles, by their gnawing or their use of stored garments as material to line their nests.

Recognizing Mouse Infestations

Droppings, fresh gnawing and tracks be a sign of areas where mice are active. Their droppings contain a large number of disease causing bacteria. Additionally, mice/rat infestations can lead to problems with other pests, such as fleas.

Mouse nests, made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence. Mice are rarely seen during daylight hours. If you discover droppings or see signs that rodents have chewed into food containers, you should take quick action. In large part, mice get water from the food they consume. Because of this, it is possible that an absence of water or food that contains enough moisture within their environment will reduce their breeding potential. Both mice and rats produce young rapidly under favorable conditions. Mice and rats prefer to move about during the dark, quiet hours. If you see a mouse or rat out in the open during the day, you probably have a large population.

When should I call a professional?

If you have a large population of mice or rats, you may not be able to control them by yourself. All Stages Pest Control professionals in New Jersey are expert in mice and rat extermination. Working with a trained professional to manage your rodent issues - from identifying the source to

removing dead pests - can provide a peace of mind, and a level of effectiveness, that do-it-yourself methods simply can't deliver.