There are few things in life as alarming as finding a mouse, in a dark room, in the middle of the night. If you have ever flicked on a light to see one of these pests frantically scampering away into the shadows, you know what we are talking about. These invasive furry rodents are a huge problem here in Texarkana and they pose more than just a fright to homeowners. If you are in need of a solution to get and keep mice out of your living areas, here are some things to consider today.
What Mice Live In Texarkana?
There are two main species of mice that are found in Texarkana: the house mouse, and the deer mouse. Of these two pests, the house mouse invades homes much more regularly. Deer mice prefer to live outdoors in fields and other open areas with ample underbrush to hide in. Because house mice are small rodents, getting into homes is not difficult. They are able to squeeze their bodies through holes the size of dimes and gnaw through things like wood and vinyl siding.
Inside homes, mice use their sharp teeth to gnaw through utility pipes, wires, and other items that are in their way. They also damage things like insulation, books, newspaper, clothing, fabrics, and any other material that might make a good nest.
The Dangers Of Mice
Mice are extremely harmful creatures in that they can spread disease through their droppings and urine. One common disease people contract by interacting with this pest’s excrement is hantavirus. Another way you might get sick from mice is by being bitten by the fleas, mites, or ticks they carry indoors. If you have indoor pets that do not have flea/tick collars, they could be at risk as well.
What Smells Do Mice Hate?
Mice are not easily deterred from areas, however, there are some smells that will turn up their noses. A few scents you should know about are vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, and peppermint. One thing to keep in mind with these natural deterrents is that they don’t last very long. Just like a garbage man can get used to the smell of trash, to do his job, mice will get used to bad smells in order to live inside your home.
How To Keep Mice Away
There are many options that help to deter mice from breaking into homes. Here are some simple prevention tips that only require a trip to the hardware store and a bit of effort.
- Purchase a caulking gun or some liquid cement. Use one of these items to seal off holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your home’s door sweeps and window/door screens are in good condition.
- Address damage to gutters, pipes, and drainage in and around your home.
- Clean your living areas regularly and do your best to keep things tidy.
- Store pet food and pantry items in airtight containers.
- Invest in trash cans that have tight-fitting lids.
What To Do If Mice Invade
Mice are a whole lot easier to prevent than they are to eliminate. If you suspect these pests are crawling around and causing trouble inside your Texarkana home, do not hesitate to involve Pest-Pro Services. Let us inspect your living areas for signs of rodents. We will identify threats and remove any mice we find. To keep rodents out of your home, year-round, talk to one of our technicians about our comprehensive pest control plans. They will walk you through our options and help you find a solution that best fits your home’s needs.