Mice

Dealing with mice in your home or business can be even more stressful than dealing with insects. These pests reproduce quickly, damage property, and introduce illness, quickly turning a minor problem into a major one. Since 1972, Bizzy Bee Exterminators has been helping Metro Atlanta homeowners and businesses handle mouse infestations effectively.

What Are House Mice?

House mice (Mus domesticus) are the most common type of mouse infesting Metro Atlanta properties. They are small, grayish rodents with pointy noses, large ears, and scaly tails. Thanks to their fast breeding habits, a minor infestation can grow quickly if left untreated.

House Mouse Identification

Size & Appearance

• 2 1/2- 3 ¾ inches long, excluding the tail
• 2 ¾- 4 inch scaly tail
• Grayish fur with creamy underbellies
• Pointy noses and large, furry ears

Behavior & Habits

• Social creatures that live in large groups made up of a dominant male, lower-ranking males, and many females
• Feed at dusk and dawn on cereals and other grain-based products, as well as seeds, insects, and a variety of other foods
• Excellent climbers and capable of jumping
• Rapid breeders; females can produce up to 35 offspring per year

Signs of Infestation

• Seeing mice in your structure
• Finding mouse droppings and urine marks
• Hearing scratching or squeaking in your walls or ceiling
• Finding mouse nests or nesting materials
• Noticing gnaw marks on food packaging or other items
• Observing rub marks and tracks
• Noticing a strong, unpleasant odor

Why Mice Are a Problem in Homes

Mice are destructive and a health risk. Their constantly growing teeth require gnawing, which can damage insulation, pipes, electrical wiring, and other property, creating fire hazards and costly repairs.

They also contaminate food and surfaces with pathogens, spreading illnesses like salmonella, leptospirosis, tularemia, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis.

Common Mouse Hiding Spots

Outdoors

• Dark, secluded areas
• Debris piles and wood piles
• Rock walls
• Tall grass or under landscape elements
• In or around outbuildings

Indoors

• Dark, hidden areas
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Attics
• Closets and storage areas
• Garages
• Under or behind appliances
• Wall voids
• Under furniture

How to Prevent Mice

Preventing mice is crucial because they can breed rapidly and spread disease once they enter. Bizzy Bee Exterminators recommends these steps to keep mice out:

• Seal all holes, gaps, cracks, and other openings into your house or commercial facility, no matter how small
• Cap chimneys
• Cover vents and openings with wire mesh
• Cut back vegetation around your structure
• Keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained
• Reduce moisture both inside and outside
• Store garbage bins and wood piles away from your house
• Keep all food in sealed containers
• Clean up after each meal by washing dishes, cleaning counters, and sweeping floors
• Reduce clutter inside, especially in storage areas and rooms that aren’t frequently used

How to Eliminate Mice

If you notice signs of a mouse infestation, contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators immediately. Mouse traps and other DIY methods may temporarily reduce numbers, but mice are difficult to eliminate completely without professional help. Our treatments remove the infestation and help prevent future problems, protecting both your property and your health.

FAQs About House Mice

Do house mice carry hantavirus?

House mice do not carry hantavirus. Deer mice usually spread that virus. However, house mice spread various other harmful diseases, so it’s essential to eliminate a house mouse infestation as soon as you discover it.

How long do house mice stay in your house?

As their name implies, house mice like homes. They can remain indefinitely if their needs are provided for. Since food, water, and shelter are readily available in most inhabited homes, they won’t move out on their own once you get mice. Instead, the infestation will only grow larger as they begin to breed.

Are house mice easy to get rid of?

Unfortunately, house mice are challenging to get rid of. Although curious and like to explore, they’re also good at hiding and avoiding danger. They’re also nocturnal, which makes it harder to find them during the day. Once house mice move into your house, eliminating them can be next to impossible without professional help.

Contact Our Local Pros for Mouse Control

The sooner you address a mouse problem, the less damage they can cause and the fewer diseases they can spread. Bizzy Bee Exterminators offers local, effective, and fully guaranteed mouse control services tailored to your home or business. Contact us today.

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