Winter Pest Activity: What to Expect in The South East and Texas
When the temperatures drop, many of us breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that pest problems are a thing of the past. However, winter is not a time to let your guard down.
As colder weather approaches in Charlotte, many residents find comfort in spending more time indoors, and unfortunately, so do pests. Among the most common indoor pests is the house mouse. These pests are skilled at finding their way into homes, needing just a dime-sized hole to sneak in. Their preference for dark, secluded areas such as basements and attics make them a stealthy threat. While they may appear harmless, mice pose significant risks to homes and health. Their incessant need to gnaw to keep their incisors sharp can result in damage to pipes, wires, walls, and foundations, and leave homes vulnerable to floods, fires, and structural damage. Mice are also known carriers of diseases including the bubonic plague, salmonellosis, hantavirus, tularemia, and leptospirosis. Their rapid breeding capability can quickly transform a minor problem into a severe infestation. Preventive measures, such as installing screens on exterior vents and drains, securely storing trash, sealing cracks in walls and foundations, maintaining a tidy landscape, using door sweeps, storing food securely, and keeping less used areas of homes dry and well-ventilated, can help deter these pests. However, professional pest control is the most effective solution. At Aruza Pest Control, our technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address your mouse problem thoroughly. We focus on eliminating the entire infestation, and work with homeowners to make changes that prevent mice from returning. If you're facing a mouse infestation, contact us immediately for swift and efficient service.
When the calendar turns to fall, and the weather around Charlotte starts to get cold, we like to spend more time inside where it’s warm. Unfortunately, pests feel the same way. Colder weather in Charlotte means you are more likely to encounter one of the more common indoor pests in our area, the house mouse.
These pests can slip into your home through the smallest of cracks. All they need is a hole the size of a dime to sneak their way in. They are light brown to dark gray in color and are between 2 1/2 and 3 3/4 inches long. Their tails are usually longer than their body, and they have pointed muzzles with large, hairy ears.
They enter homes in search of food and shelter. They prefer to live in dark, secluded areas like basements and attics, making their nests from paper, cotton, fabric, wall insulation, and anything else they can find. They will eat anything that is available, including fruits and vegetables but prefers grain-based products like cereal.
Mice may look cute and fuzzy, but they are a pest you don’t want in your home. Having a mouse problem can put your home — and your health — in jeopardy. Mice, like all rodents, have incisors that never stop growing. To keep these teeth sharp and healthy, mice must gnaw constantly. They will chew through pipes, wires, walls, and foundations. This can leave your home at risk for floods, fires, and structural damage.
Aside from the damage they can do to your home, they can also be dangerous. They are known to spread multiple diseases, including:
They are also vectors for the introduction of other pests like fleas and can trigger allergic reactions.
The other issue with mice is how quickly they breed. Mice give birth five to ten times per year, and their average litter can be between three and 14 pups. This means that one female mouse can give birth to between 32 and 56 pups a year. At this rate, just a few mice can turn into a full-blown infestation in no time.
Because of how fast they breed, a mouse infestation can be difficult to get rid of. One of the best ways to keep a mouse infestation under control is taking steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Tips for keeping mice out of your home include:
Taking these steps can help keep mice out of your home and off your property.
To make sure mice aren’t an issue in your home, there is no substitute for professional pest control. At Aruza Pest Control, our technicians have the tools and experience to get to the root of your mouse problem. We can quickly eliminate the whole infestation, not just the mice you can see. We will also work with you to make changes around your home that will keep mice from returning. If you are dealing with a mouse infestation, don’t hesitate. Call us immediately and let us get to work for you.
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