Cool, fall weather has arrived and along with leaves and nippy mornings, bugs and rodents are scurrying to find warmer quarters. Often times, those warmer 
quarters are in the home. Of these invaders, the common or European house mouse is one of the most troublesome and definitely an unwanted house guest.
Droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks are usually the first signs of mouse activity. Other signs might include nests made from shredded paper or other fibrous material and their characteristic musky odor. They are most active at night but it is not uncommon for them to be seen during the day, too. Common locations for these critters are under the sink, in cabinets or drawers, on the counter, and under furniture with their trails usually running along the baseboards.
These little critters require minimal space to invade a home. Mice can squeeze through openings slightly larger than ¼ inch, just enough space to get their whiskers and head through. They are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface. They are also “tight rope artists” in that can run horizontally along very thin wires, cables, or ropes. According to Dennis Ferraro, Nebraska Extension Wildlife Specialist, mice can jump straight up two and half feet and across three feet or drop vertically eight feet and keep running at a speed of six miles per hour.
Further, mice have a tremendous reproductive capacity. In a year’s time, a female may have five to ten litters of usually five to six young born 19-21 days after mating. Mice reach reproductive maturity in six to ten weeks. The life span of a mouse is usually nine months to one year.
So with these facts in mind, prevention is key and involves three components—mouse-proof construction, good sanitation or removal of sources of food and water, and population reduction.
Mouse-proof construction. The most successful and permanent form of house mouse control is to prevent them from entering in the first place by eliminating all openings through which they can enter. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home—inside and out. Look for gaps in siding where the siding meets the foundation or where pipes and other utilities enter. Cracks in foundations and loose-fitting doors without proper weather stripping are other obvious places where mice can get in. In addition to sealing gaps, ensuring that your siding is in good condition is crucial for overall home maintenance. When considering updates, many homeowners are turning to Austin Siding solutions that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also improve energy efficiency. Properly installed siding can help protect your home from the elements, reducing the risk of moisture damage and pest infiltration. Consulting with siding experts can provide valuable insights into the best materials and installation techniques, ensuring your home remains safe, secure, and visually appealing. Since mice are good climbers, don’t forget to check openings around the roof, including attic vents. Use rodent-proof materials to close all openings such as steel wool, hardware cloth, galvanized sheet metal or metal flashing, cement mortar, caulking, and spray foam insulation or combinations of these materials. For how-to-do details, see Rodent-Proof Construction and Exclusion Methods prepared by Cornell, Clemson, UNL, and Utah State Universities.
Sanitation. Eliminating their food and water source is critical to controlling them. Mice are opportunistic feeders that will eat any food discarded by humans. Therefore, clean up spilled food or remove open food in cupboards, drawers, counter tops, and floors under stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Place all accessible food in mouse-proof containers such as glass or store in the refrigerator or freezer. Store pet and bird food in sealed containers. Keep cabbage can lids tightly sealed. Remove pet food and water dishes when not in use and do not leave a glass of water or dirty dishes sitting in the sink.
Outdoors, remove clutter and debris from the perimeter of the house. Keep grass, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed around the house. Remove any container that could hold water.
Beyond sealing your home, maintaining a regular inspection routine is key to long-term pest control. Checking your home periodically for signs of mice, such as droppings or gnaw marks, can help you catch a potential problem early. King Pest Solutions offers ongoing monitoring services, which can be particularly beneficial in keeping your home mouse-free year-round. By staying vigilant and addressing any issues promptly, you can protect your home from the damage and health risks associated with a mouse infestation.
In addition to routine home inspections, it’s important to consider professional pest control services that go beyond what DIY measures can achieve. Expert technicians can provide targeted treatments that address specific pest issues and prevent future infestations. For businesses, pest control services are essential in maintaining a clean and pest-free environment, ensuring that operations are not disrupted and customers are not put at risk. These services are designed to tackle larger-scale infestations and implement preventative strategies tailored to the unique needs of commercial properties.
Whether dealing with rodents, insects, or other pests, commercial pest control professionals utilize advanced methods to eliminate existing problems and create long-term solutions. They offer comprehensive plans that include regular inspections, monitoring, and proactive treatments to minimize the chance of a recurrence. By investing in these services, businesses can maintain a safe and sanitary environment, which is critical for both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
Population reduction. Population reduction can be done through a combination of rodenticides, trapping, or by professional extermination. Spring traps are the preferred method; baiting with peanut butter usually works well as long as you put the bait far enough in that the mouse has to work for it. Baits or poisons used indoors should be avoided if possible. Often pets and children are unintended victims of baits and poisons. And mice usually die in the walls or some other hard-to-get-at location where they discompose for a month emitting a foul smell, shedding bacteria, and attracting maggots.
A few steps now can prevent those troublesome and unwanted house mice from becoming your guests!
I recently fractured my ankle on both sides. I was able to avoid surgery by not putting any weight on it for six weeks but getting around the house proved to be a bit challenging. I was not very good, nor did I feel very stable, using crutches so I opted for a transport chair some friends were kind enough to loan us. Luckily I am only dealing with this for a few weeks but it made me wonder about myself aging and the aging population in general and how to best accommodate being able to live independently in our own homes. As I did some research on it I found a good article from 
A friend’s grandchild slipped in the bathroom and crashed into the sink causing a bad bump on the lip and a lot of bleeding. If you have a child that has been recently potty trained that is now spending a lot more time in the bathroom, you may want to take some steps to child proof your bathroom.
A friend’s grandchild was recently injured in a fall. Since the wound was to the mouth, there was a lot of blood involved. Accidents happen so quickly and sometimes adults are not present at the scene of the accident. As summer begins, it may be a good idea to review some basic first aid tips with your child.
May is National Electrical Safety Month and a good time to be reminded of the risks associated with electricity and the things we can do to reduce our risk and keep our living and working areas safe from electrical hazards. Taking simple steps can help prevent electrical accidents or fires.
Our grandson has just turned one and is starting to walk more. As exciting as that is, it also reminds me that I need to do even more babyproofing to our house! With the help of several wonderful Extension publications these are the steps that I have taken so far:
The changing season often means a change of house plants in the home. Some plants are just too nice to allow them freeze and die after enjoying them outside all summer. This fall, my daughter and her family have a new cat in addition to the new plants she has brought into their home. She called us at AnswerLine to ask if it is harmful that Autumn the cat is munching on the aloe vera plant. I discovered that it could make Autumn very sick. She could experience diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, or tremors after munching on the aloe plant. It is time to either move the plant to a spot that Autumn can’t reach it or send the plant to my house for the winter.
If you discover that your pet has been munching on your plants you will want to contact your veterinarian. If you can, see how much of the plant your pet has eaten and any symptoms of poisoning. You may want to consider planting some cat grass for your pet if it seems determined to eat house plants. This house plant eating habit may be an instinct your cat has to replace something missing in it’s diet. The pet may need more vitamins or minerals which could be found in plants.
