Do You Have Mice in Your Home?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

When most people think of the top 5 creatures they don't want in their homes, mice score very highly. If the very idea of mice in your home, chewing on your cereal boxes and causing havoc alarms you then it's time to get educated about mice and their annoying habits.

Mice are small mammals that are able to squeeze into the tightest of spaces. They can live on breadcrumbs and other scraps. They carry over 35 different types of disease and can reproduce very quickly. A typical female mouse reaches sexual maturity at 6-10 weeks old and can bear a litter roughly 20 days after mating. This is why it is important to deal with a mouse problem as soon as you can. If you leave it or put it off the mouse population in your home could explode and with it the risk of catching one of the many diseases that mice spread.

Not many people know that mice can flatten their bodies and squeeze under the narrowest of gaps, perhaps even under your door if there is a gap there. You may think that your house is secure but in most houses a mouse can easily find a way in. It helps of course to block up any obvious holes, cracks or spaces where a mouse could enter. Mice can also jump a fair way if the need to and they can also swim! The common mouse is a very versatile creature and smarter than you imagine. Often people will sit down mouse traps and be surprised when the bait has gone the next morning leaving the trap still set.

So how do you know if you have mice in your home? Well the most obvious signs are mouse droppings and signs of chewing. Mouse droppings are small black pellets and may be located around sources of food like cereal boxes or in dark places like cupboards. Mice will chew to get into things but also to get nesting material, so keep an eye open for any signs of chewing.

Mice are nocturnal creatures and although than can be spotted during the day, you're more likely to see them at night. They tend to keep close to walls and objects as they feel vulnerable out in the open. If you suspect you have mice try sprinkling some fine flour or talcum powder along the side of a wall. Mice will leave tracks and this will confirm you have them in your home. You may also hear strange sounds late at night like squeaking or scratching. Keep your eyes and your ears open and you'll be able to pick up on some of their activities.

If you suspect you have mice it's time to deal with the problem. There are a huge range of traps, poisons and other devices available. These range from the traditional sprung traps to sticky glue traps and nowadays, electronic traps and repelling devices. Regular traps can be messy and difficult to set and glue traps don't actually do the job of killing the mouse. Poisons also have their problems. The best solution in this day and age is an electric mouse trap which delivers a fatal shock to any mouse entering the trap. There is no mess and it makes disposal a lot easier. Whatever solution you decide on I wish you the best of luck in dealing with mice. Just remember to deal with any problem quickly to avoid a large infestation!

Ice Cream Maker Beer Brewing