Mice are sneaky. They’re small. They’re fast. And they’re primarily nocturnal. This usually means that homeowners don’t know they have a mouse problem until the infestation is already out of hand. The good news is that mice leave plenty of clues. As long as you know what to keep an eye out for, you can take action to get rid of the problem. Here’s how to tell if you have mice in your home:
Visible Signs
The first signs of a mouse infestation that people usually notice are the ones they can see. This includes droppings, which are small, dark and pellet-shaped. They’re often found inside cabinets, behind appliances, along walls and in storage areas. You may also notice chew marks on food packaging and furniture, as mice try to steal food and file down their teeth. Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, insulation and even electrical wiring is another indicator of their presence.
Odors
Not all signs of a mouse infestation are visible. Some are picked up by the other senses, including, unfortunately, smell. If you notice an unusual musky or ammonia-like odor in your home, mice could be the culprit. Over time, the smell of their droppings and urine becomes stronger and more pungent. On top of that, mice can track trace amounts of urine in their travel pathways, which also contributes to the smell. The odor is usually more prominent near their nesting areas.
Sounds
Since mice are most active at night, you’re more likely to hear them scuttling about when you’re in bed and trying to sleep. Listen for scratching, scurrying, thumping and squeaking in the later hours of the day when the house quiets down. The sounds may be faint at first, but as the infestation grows, they usually become harder to ignore. If mystery noises are keeping you up at night, mice might be on the loose, and it’s time to investigate.
Pet Behavior
Dogs and cats have far more sensitive senses of smell and hearing than humans. This often means that they’ll pick up on an active mouse infestation long before you do. If this is the case, you may notice your dog or cat acting strangely, staring at walls, sniffing intensely, pacing, or vocalizing. While these behaviors alone aren’t a telltale sign of a mouse infestation, in combination with the other indicators, they certainly present a reason to investigate.
Hiding Places
Mice love quiet, dark places where they can nest safely and remain undisturbed. Common hiding places include behind large appliances, in the corners of cabinets, inside wall voids, under sinks and in cluttered storage areas. If you suspect mouse activity, check these places for signs, like droppings, chew marks, nesting material and grease marks left by their oily fur. If you spot signs or a live mouse in any of these common hiding spots, it’s definitely time to call a professional rodent control team.
If you have a mouse infestation, getting help from an expert team should be your next step. Call the Omaha mice removal pros at (402) 819-7378 or contact the Pro-Staff team online for a free inspection. We’ll have your home mouse-free in no time!
