As warm summer breezes wane and cooler weather sets its sights on Omaha, Nebraska, local mice will start searching for sheltered locations to escape harsh weather. Unfortunately for Omaha residents, area homes are often the destination of choice for these savvy rodents, and without professional mouse control in Omaha, they can present multiple problems for homeowners.
Identifying The Common Mouse: Differentiating Mice From Other Rodents
Omaha is home to several different types of rodents, which can make identification challenging. Your ordinary house mouse is a frequent invader of homes, but other rodents in the Omaha area might make identification difficult.
You can identify house mice by their size and shape. Typically, they grow between 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches long, with an extra 3 3/4 to 4 inches for their tail. They are often a dull gray coloration and have pointed noses.
Another rodent that likes to visit homes is the Norway rat; these rodents are much larger than common mice. They typically grow between 7 to 9 1/2 inches long (not including their scaly tails). Their hair is usually brown and bristly, with black hairs intermingled; they have rounded noses, and their ears and eyes are small.
Other Omaha rodents that may get confused with house mice are pocket gophers and voles. Pocket gophers typically grow 5 to 14 inches long and have short tails. They are primarily brown, have cheek pouches, and small eyes and ears. Voles are chunky rodents that grow between 5 to 7 inches long. Their hair is chestnut brown, and their legs and tails are short. They have blunt noses and furry ears just above their head. While pocket gophers and voles rarely get into homes, they can cause considerable damage to yards.
It's always wise for homeowners to have a general knowledge of local rodent populations that frequent local homes. If you're questioning which rodent is pestering your home, it's always best to call Beeline Pest Control for professional mouse control.
Why Mice Are A Problem: Health Risks and Property Damage
Having mice in your home is a huge problem. Not only do mice cause property damage, but they also expose people in your home to significant health risks. Mice that find shelter inside homes will look to establish nests. They love insulation behind walls and in attics, which they shred to pad their nests; stored materials also make excellent nesting areas. Mice are also famous for chewing things, including household items, wood trim, and electrical wires. While property damages are cause for concern, the health hazards mice bring to homes are even more alarming.
Mice contaminate surfaces and food in homes. They also urinate and salivate on items wherever they go; even the dust from mouse droppings can cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma and allergies. Mice also carry pathogens that spread diseases such as tularemia, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM). Pathogens aren't the only thing mice carry; they often bring other pests like lice, fleas, ticks, and mites into homes on their bodies.
Nothing good comes from having mice in your home. Homeowners who partner with a pest control specialist like Beeline Pest Control have access to professional pest control solutions that can solve mice problems quickly and effectively.
Preventative Measures For Mice: Keep Them Out Before They Get In
Mice use any weak spot in your home's armor to get indoors. Homeowners who establish simple yet effective mouse prevention measures into their regular home maintenance routines can do much to stop mouse infestations.
Four mouse prevention measures that help keep mice out of homes include the following:
- Trim back tree branches and heavy vegetation close to your house.
- Seal up cracks, gaps (as wide as a pencil), and holes (as small as a dime), especially where pipes and utilities enter your home with silicone-based caulking.
- Ensure screens are in good repair, and consider using door sweeps on outside doors.
- Ensure your crawl space, attic, and basement stay dry and ventilated.
Even with excellent prevention measures, mice are determined creatures. Homeowners who partner with an Omaha rodent control professional like Beeline Pest Control can take advantage of quick response times and well-seasoned and experienced technicians.
The Importance Of Prompt Mouse Removal: Call Us Right Away!
Prompt removal of mice from homes is essential because they are rapid breeders. As soon as homeowners become aware of a mouse problem, it is imperative to call in the pest professionals at Beeline Pest Control. Our local family-owned company has provided reliable, bonded, and insured pest control solutions to Omaha residents since 2009. Call Beeline Pest Control today for a free quote on our mouse removal services.