Milwaukee Wildlife Control: Mice and Water

While mice are adorable creatures, as a homeowner, you likely do not want wild mice calling your house a home. Aside from the sanitation and chewing habits of mice, wild mice can reproduce quickly, resulting in a significant infestation in under a year. Therefore, if you find wild mice scurrying across your bathroom floor, call a mice removal service immediately to resolve the issue. Wildlife control in Milwaukee will ensure that your home is free of rodents and other animals so you can sleep peacefully, and they will do so humanely, without dangerous traps. Many inexperienced or cruel DIYers use water traps to drown unsuspecting mice. These traps are not only cruel; they are ineffective because mice are capable swimmers.

Do Mice Like the Water?

Mice do not seek out water to swim in, especially in the wild. While you might own a pet mouse that enjoys a quick bath or soak every now and again, this is not typical behavior of wild mice. However, while a mouse does not make a habit of diving into a watering hole, it can hold its own when forced. Mice are actually excellent swimmers, and they have been known to swim across streams and other bodies of water to get to a food source or nesting site.

Do Mice Enjoy Swimming?

While a mouse can swim, it likely doesn't enjoy the process. Swimming puts a mouse in a vulnerable position. It is exposed to predators, including hawks, snakes, and even some fish, such as the lesser salmon catfish. A mouse is not a fast swimmer, but it is a stable one. Most experts might not even consider what a mouse does as swimming, preferring to call it treading water. It is similar to what your dog does when it ends up in the pool.

How Long Can a Mouse Stay Afloat?

A mouse can tread water for several days, which is an incredibly long time for such a small creature. While the animal can swim for days, it is only challenged to do so in life or death situations. Mice prefer dry land to water. The animal can and will swim when properly motivated, but if there is a dry option or path, it will likely select such options over the wet alternative.

Can Mice Hold Their Breath?

Aside from swimming, mice have been known to dive as well. A mouse can hold its breath for up to three minutes, which is yet another impressive feat for an animal that prefers dry land. Despite being capable of holding its breath for a long time, a mouse doesn't typically find a need to show off. The animal typically only resorts to diving or swimming underwater in stressful events.

How Can You Resolve a Problem With Mice?

Water traps are cruel inventions, and they put a mouse through needless suffering. All animals deserve respect and admiration, even mice. While all wildlife experts know you do not want a mouse infestation in your home, there are humane ways to discourage nesting. Hiring a professional service is typically your best bet when you have a rodent problem. A humane service will focus on animal exclusion rather than traps and poisons. Using tools like one-way exits, technicians can help homeowners take back control over their house. If you have witnessed a mouse or mice scurrying across your kitchen or noticed chewed wires and rice-like excrement, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. The company will send one of its qualified service technicians to assess your property and determine if you have a rodent problem. If you do, the expert will recommend what tools and techniques they can use to resolve your specific issue.