RALEIGH, DURHAM, MOUSE CONTROL, RODENT CONTROL

Mice, Rats and Squirrels in North Carolina can cause problems for residents when they make their homes in structures. Mice enter structures in search of food sources, nesting areas, and shelter from the elements.

Mouse control, or rodent removal is not a one-step process, it requires knowledge and skill to eliminate populations from structures. We utilized proven methods in order to rid your structure of mice. We not only use the proper products to eliminate mice but we inspect and find their routes of entry and exclude them from gaining entry into structures. Other pest control companies only use baits or traps to remove mice but we go the extra mile and add exclusion methods to our rodent service.

Is there a mouse in the house?

You might not see the mice, but you can probably hear them after dark, as mice are often more active at night. Don’t be surprised if your pets paw at walls and cabinets where mice are hiding.

Watch for mouse droppings and nests in storage areas, such as garages and basements. Nests are usually made of materials like bits of cloth or shredded paper. Or you can check for mouse tracks by dusting suspected areas with a light coating of unscented talcum powder or mason’s chalk dust. Wait a day and then shine a flashlight across the area. If you notice small tracks in the powder, then you’ll know that mice have been there.

Although most people consider mice less objectionable than rats, mice are more common and cause significantly more damage. Mice are prolific breeders, producing 6-10 litters continuously throughout the year. The greatest economic loss from mice is not due to how much they eat, but what must be thrown out because of damage or contamination. Food, clothing, furniture, books and many other household items are contaminated by their droppings and urine, or damaged by their gnawing. House mice gnaw through electrical wiring, causing fires and failure of freezers, clothes dryers and other appliances. Mice also can transmit diseases, most notably salmonellosis (bacterial food poisoning) when food is contaminated with infected rodent feces.

Recognizing Rat and Mouse Signs

Since rats and mice are active at night and are rarely seen during the day, it is necessary to recognize signs of their activity.

Droppings and Urine – Most people first recognize rodent problems by finding droppings (Figure 2) or urine stains in and around buildings. Rodents usually have favorite toilet areas but will void almost anywhere. Old droppings are gray, dusty, and will crumble. Fresh droppings are black, shiny, and puttylike. Rodents urinate while running, and the streaks are characteristic. The urine glows under ultraviolet lights and glows blue-white when fresh.