They might seem innocent, but mice are some of the most troublesome pests you can have. These small rodents present a number of problems to homeowners and can be surprisingly difficult to control. The good news is, with the right information, you can help prevent a mouse infestation from developing in your home.

If you’re looking for effective mouse control in San Tan Valley, here’s what you need to know.

About Mice

Of all the rodents that can invade your home, house mice are the most common. These tiny rodents usually measure between 2-4 inches in length with a 3-4 inch tail. House mice are typically dusty gray in coloration with white bellies and can be recognized by their pointed snouts, beady eyes, and large ears.

As their name suggests, house mice thrive in domestic environments. They have evolved to live alongside humans, making their nests in the warmth and shelter of your home. House mice primarily feed on grains and seeds but are also fond of the snacks in your pantry and will eagerly raid your kitchen in search of food.

Are Mice Dangerous?

While mice usually aren’t aggressive, they can still be dangerous to have around your home. Like rats and squirrels, mice are rodents and have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. So, mice must constantly gnaw to tame their teeth, and in the process, they cause damage to the structure of your home, furniture, personal belongings, and even electrical wiring.

House mice are also vectors of disease. They can carry parasites like ticks and fleas which spread Lyme disease and bubonic plague, respectively. Mouse droppings are also known to contain bacteria that cause salmonellosis and leptospirosis, threatening the health of you and your family.

Not mention, mice can cause stress. It’s upsetting to see or hear mice in your home and continuously being on your guard against rodent infestation can be exhausting. Stress from a mouse infestation can strain your relationships, rob you of sleep, affect your mood, and even impact your performance at work. Mice don’t want to hurt you, but they can be dangerous pests nonetheless.

How To Prevent Mice

Luckily, there are a few simple things that you can do around the house to prevent mice from making themselves at home:

• Use sturdy storage – Store your pantry foods in sturdy containers. Mice can chew through even heavy plastic, so metal or glass containers are best to keep mice out of your cereals, crackers, and other snacks.
• Clean up – Make sure that there are no food scraps on your counters or floors. Wipe down the surfaces where you prepare and eat food and regularly mop and vacuum those areas, as well. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Seal entrances – The average house mouse only needs a hole the size of a nickel to squeeze into your home. Check your property for any cracks or crevices that mice can squeeze through, especially around your foundation and around pipes and fixtures. Stuff openings with steel wool or patch with metal.
• Dispose of trash properly – Use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid to dispose of your trash. If possible, use a metal bin. Try to keep garbage receptacles as far away from your home as possible to prevent mice and other pests from coming in.

The best thing you can do to prevent house mice from invading your San Tan Valley home is to get help from the professionals at Ozone Pest Control. For more than 20 years, we’ve provided our customers with safe, reliable treatment for mice and other common pests. If you’re experiencing mouse problems, contact us today for your own customized treatment plan.