You might enjoy the silence of living alone, or if you live with others, it might be nice to have your house to yourself once in a while. Unfortunately, if you see a mouse, you’re not alone — not by a long shot! If you see one mouse, it’s highly likely you’ve got a lot more lurking about somewhere in your home. Mice don’t like being alone as much as people might. They’re very social creatures, so when you see one mouse there is a reason for concern. Mice removal may now be necessary because there are probably a lot of others running around behind the scenes.

How Many Mice Are There?

It’s impossible to tell how many mice are in your home at one time because they can be awfully sneaky. If you actually see a mouse or notice droppings, you can assume there are more than just one or two critters lurking in the walls of your home. One female mouse will consistently produce anywhere from six to eight babies in one litter. Gestation doesn’t take nine months as it does for humans, so a mama mouse can give birth to an entire litter eight to 10 times each year. If the original mischief that moved into your house included three or four mothers, and they each created a nest inside your home, you’re looking at the possibility of over 300 mice living off the food you’re paying for.

How Do They Survive?

When a mischievous mouse moves into your house, they’re simply looking for a comfortable home with access to food and water. That’s exactly what you enjoy in your home, so it’s a great spot for mice, too. While you will need to hire the professionals for effective, proper, and safe mice removal, it’s important you know how they survive so you can take more steps toward keeping them out for good.

• First, mice are able to get around through even the tiniest cracks and holes in your home. You should make note of any holes you see, and attempt to seal them properly before mice enter. These rodents are clever and cunning, which means there is a chance they will chew through consumer grade products. 
• Second, mice are scavengers. They’re also nocturnal, so if your garbage sits out at night, they’re going to find it. Have a family member take out the garbage every night before you all get tucked in bed. If you have a compost pile outside, move it away from the home, and be sure your outdoor garbage can is also away from the house.
• Third, mice eat whatever they can get their little paws on. Every food item you have should be sealed in an airtight container. Many food items are packaged in thin plastic or cardboard, which can be easy for a mouse to chew through, so even if your food is still in the box or bag it came in, you should seal it up in a container mice can’t access.
• Finally, mice can get their water from any source. They’re great swimmers, so even an open toilet isn’t going to stop them from accessing the water they need to survive. If you have any leaks, especially in a crawl space or attic where they can remain hidden, get it taken care of immediately. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier so there’s less moisture collecting anywhere in your home.

How Easy Is It To Catch Mice?

When you see mice activity, it’s safe to assume there are likely dozens to hundreds of mice living in your home when you see one, you have to assume it’s going to be a big job trying to get rid of them. If you set out a trap and are able to catch one, that’s great, but it’s going to be a very long process to catch all of them in a similar way. In the meantime, they’ll be breeding and multiplying, which only adds to your problem. These rodents are fairly cautious, so once they begin to catch on that their friends are dying in traps, they’re going to avoid the area and the bait.

As you can see, it’s important you call in the professionals whether you think you’re dealing with a lone mouse or hundreds of his friends. If you’ve seen signs of a mouse problem in your home, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for prompt mice removal services.