Those cute and cuddly mice you see at the pet stores aren’t exactly as cute when you see one unexpectedly running throughout your home. Homeowners tend to panic as soon as they find evidence of mice in their home, and rightfully so. Mice are actually a pest of public health importance and infestation levels for mice within structures is higher this year than it has been for years.
A deer mouse located near the foundation of a home
How Do I know if I have a Mouse Problem?
As a homeowner in Hillsborough, you may be concerned with mice but how can you know if you have a problem? We have a few ways to determine if you in fact have a mouse problem.
Evidence of Mouse Activity in Your Hillsborough, NJ Home
With mice being nocturnal rodents, you typically won’t see them scurrying throughout your house to know that you have a problem. Instead you may start to notice some subtle clues that mice are inside your Hillsborough home.
- Evidence of mouse droppings
- Mice will leave droppings that resemble dark grains of rice in areas that they have visited.
- Damage to food packages
- Your pantry food product packages may look as though they have been gnawed through and eaten.
- You may actually see a mouse at one point or another
- If you’re lucky enough to spot one of the pesky rodents in your home, it may be one of the two most common species of mice; House Mouse, Mus musculus or the White Footed Mouse, Peromyscus leucopus.
How Did the Mice Get Into My Hillsborough, NJ Home?
Small openings around the perimeter of your home can be an entry-point for mice. Photo Credit: The Exterminators
Mice are like acrobats in the way that they can maneuver their body to fit into even the smallest of holes. Mice have the ability to squeeze into holes or openings that are about the size of a dime, which allows them the ability to sneak into your home quickly unnoticed.
“Mice only need a ¼ inch gap to enter your home,” said Dr. Richard Cooper, staff entomologist for Cooper Pest Solutions. “So homeowners need to seal up any obvious gaps around entry doors, garage doors and utility penetration points that are a ¼ of an inch or larger.”
If you take a walk around the exterior of your home and notice any openings, no matter how small, that could be a point-of-entry. Mice can enter within small openings near electrical, gas, water or even air conditioning connections that lead into your home.
“There may also be gaps that aren’t visibly accessible which are covered by siding or moldings, that can allow rodents to get in,” said Dr. Cooper. “Rodents can find entry-points that you might not even be aware of.”
Should I be Concerned if I find Evidence of Mice in My Home?
To put this simply, yes you should be concerned about the problems associated with having mice inside your Hillsborough, NJ home.
Mice infestations can become huge headaches for homeowners, so it is best to prevent them as early as possible. If you do notice mouse activity in your home, be sure to contact your local pest or rodent removal company before they cause significant damage to your home.
“Mice can cause a lot of damage and can transmit disease agents, so it is best to have the problem taken care of properly and right away,” said Dr. Cooper.
After mice enter your home, homeowners often have a difficult time getting rid of them since they often live in hidden areas within garages, attics, lofts, and wall interiors, which is why store bought solutions often fall short when compared to professional services.
What Can I Do to Get Rid of the Mice in My Hillsborough, NJ Home?
Cooper Pest Solutions provides three programs that target mouse control for residential homeowners.
Cooper’s One Time Mouse Program is a reactive service that actively takes care of the current mouse population in your home for 90 days. After scheduling through our online portal, our customer service department will promptly reach out to you to confirm the technician dispatch date that you requested. Same day or next day service is typically available. One of Cooper’s state-certified technicians will visit your home to analyze your home and strategically place bait our tamper-resistant bait stations accordingly. As part of the 90 Day Mouse Program, you are entitled to an unlimited amount of technician visits within the 90 day period of your coverage. One simple call to our customer service department will result in a technician visit to help solve your mouse problem.
This is not a preventative service for homeowners who do not have an existing mouse infestation. If you do not currently have mice at your home but want to prevent them from coming in the future, read about our Home Plans below.
The Intensive Service Plan is designed to provide preventive pest and rodent control for your home, year round. The service plan includes four preventive services per year. Each service is unique and will be accompanied by a detailed 30-point inspection report with detailed findings as well as providing you with important recommendations for your home. Each year you will receive three exterior maintenance services (March – November) and one interior service (December – February).
The Traditional Service Plan is substantial value for the homeowner that does not want to be bothered by crawling insects, mice, and wasps. The Traditional Service Plan provides preventive pest and rodent control for your home, year round. As part of your plan, you will receive four services per year. Each year you will receive three exterior maintenance services (March – November) and one interior service (December – February). There are some exclusions in the Traditional Service Plan when compared to the Intensive Service Plan.
We understand a homeowner’s urgency in addressing mice problems, which is why we strive to have one of our representative meet with you the same day or very next day to address your mouse situation. For more information on our mouse control services, call 1-800-949-2667 or fill out our free estimate form.
