How To Get Rid Of Field Mice
Mice are one of the most common and most frustrating house pests out there. A common species of mice that frequent homes are the field mouse. The anxiety caused by finding droppings in a drawer or nibbled food packaging is often overwhelming. These nocturnal critters will leave you wondering how to get rid of field mice.
Field Mice vs. House Mice
Often, when finding a mouse in the home, people call it a house mouse. However, a house mouse is a specific breed. While house mice, Mus Domesticus, are most often the culprit, other species of mice find their way inside too. Another common species found in homes is the field mouse, also known as deer mice. Many signs of field mice, Peromyscus Maniculatus, are the same as house mice. So, it is difficult to determine what type of mouse problem you have until you see the actual rodent. However, once in the home, the same techniques used on house mice also get rid of field mice.
Field Mouse Description
One of the most distinctive traits of the field mouse is its coloring. In contrast to a house mouse’s solid brown or grey coloring, the field mouse has two-toned fur. Their bodies sport a reddish-brown color while their bellies and legs are white. This coloring extends onto their shorter, hairless tails. They are roughly 4 to 7 inches in total length, with large heads, ears, and eyes. Knowing how to identify the type of mouse correctly will help when trying to get rid of field mice.
Field Mouse Habitat
Field mice are shy and prefer areas less frequented by humans. Their usual habitats are grasslands, forests, pastures, and brushy areas. They are less common in urban areas but frequently found in country and suburban areas surrounded by woods. Field mice are more likely to build their nests in old trees, fence posts, and seldomly used barns and sheds. Although, in areas where people and wildlife occupy so much of the same space, these pests often find their way indoors.
The Dangers Of Field Mice
One thing that makes it incredibly important to get rid of field mice is their ability to carry disease. The most concerning disease spread by field mice is Hantavirus. This disease attacks the respiratory system and, in severe cases, can cause death. Hantavirus spreads by contacting urine, droppings, or nesting materials containing the virus and breathing in the virus in areas where infected materials become stirred into the air. Additionally, a bite from an infected field mouse will also transfer Hantavirus. If found in your home, it is crucial to eliminate field mice as carefully as possible.
How To Get Rid Of Field Mice In The House
As with any pest, the sooner you catch the problem, the better your chances of quickly getting rid of field mice. Like other species of mice, common signs you have field mice in your home include chewed food containers, droppings, and sounds of their movement and squeaking. Preventing their ability to enter your home is the best way to control field mouse problems.
Prevention Is Key
The first step in getting any pest problem under control is prevention. Trying to get rid of field mice includes sealing entry points into your home, eliminating access to food, and getting rid of nest sites.
- Repair and seal all openings and cracks. Because field mice are strong chewers, steel wool and caulk are excellent materials that field mice cannot chew through.
- Keep your home tidy and clutter-free, eliminating spaces for field mice to hide.
- Store food, including pet food, in sealed pest-proof containers and wipe up spills and crumbs.
- Store firewood away from buildings and sheds, and elevate the piles off the ground.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house
Tricks And Tools To Get Rid Of Field Mice
Even with prevention measures, field mice will occasionally end up in homes. When this occurs, it is time to employ traps and other measures to remove them. There are many forms of mouse traps on the market. The most common traps are snap traps and glue boards. The benefits of mouse traps are when used correctly; they are quick and effective. Mouse traps allow you to remove the deceased mice. Also, they prevent the mice from dying in walls and unreachable areas.
Using Rodenticides
Another standard tool used to kill field mice in the home is rodenticides or poisons. While rodenticides are effective, they present a few problems. First, there is no control over where the mice pass away. Suppose they succumb to the poison when they are unreachable in walls, under cabinets, or other enclosed spaces. When this happens, it often causes foul smells and can attract other unwanted pests. Also, they present a danger to people and pets. Rodenticides are poisons. If not handled properly, they can harm those who come in contact with them.
Ongoing Preventive Treatment
If you don’t keep your eye on the problem, pests will inevitably return. That is why we offer ongoing preventive treatments to customers interested in this service. We will come to your home and apply treatments that keep pests out on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis! This will save you the headache and expense of hiring us for a more extensive treatment down the road.
Call In The Professionals
Extreme caution is essential regardless of how you get rid of field mice. Because they carry diseases, protective gear, such as gloves and breathing gear, is essential when handling field mice and cleaning their waste. For this reason, calling in professionals to deal with your field mouse problem remains the safest bet. The professionals at OMNIS Pest Control have the knowledge and experience to get rid of field mice quickly and safely. We will ease your mind by identifying the problem areas, removing the field mice, and preventing further infestations. Call OMNIS Pest Control today for more information.
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