The Answers To Western Massachusetts Most Common Mouse Questions

Mice are among the most common home-invading pests in our area, yet people still have a surprising number of questions about them. Do you have a mouse question? If so, you may find your answer here. Today we are answering the most common questions we get about mice in Western Massachusetts such as: What do mice eat? Do mice have bones? And: How do you know when all the mice are gone?

Can mice climb walls? 

Mice are impressive climbers. Not only can a mouse run up a tree as fast as a squirrel, it can run up the side of a brick home just as fast. This is something squirrels can't do. But mice don't have the ability to climb every wall they come across. A mouse needs pores or bumps to get a claw hold. So the answer to this question is: "Mice can climb some walls but not all walls." It is also important to keep in mind that a mouse can scale walls that they aren't able to climb. If a mouse can get between a pipe and a wall, it can work its way up. They'll also use vines like a human would use a ladder.  

What do mice eat?

You might think that mice eat cheese if you've watched a lot of cartoons. But real mice don't prefer cheese. If you want to catch a mouse, you need to use seeds, nuts, or rice. These are dietary staples of mice. Rats eat cheese, meats, fish and other heavy food sources. 

Can mice see in the dark?

If you were to use an infrared camera to watch a mouse run around in a pitch dark attic, you might think that they can see in the dark. We hate to disappoint you, but mice don't have this superpower. Mice use their other senses to move efficiently in dark spaces. A mouse will use its whiskers like a blind man would use a cane, and it will use the sides of its body to feel hard surfaces and to run along baseboards. It will use its ears to echolocate, this is to say that they listen for their own squeaks reflecting off objects in their environment. But, the most interesting way they navigate is by using their noses. A mouse catalogs the smells around it and will create a map of where those smells are located. This is one of the reasons mice leave drops of urine as they travel. It helps them map out their surroundings.  

What attracts mice to a house?

Okay. Enough fun facts. It's time to get down to business. We get this one a lot because people don't want mice in their homes. There is more than one thing that will attract a mouse to a Western Massachusetts home.

• Mice are drawn to the scent of food. They aren't as picky as we are and will be attracted to the strong aroma of garbage.

• Mice prefer a yard that has tall grass and overgrowth.

• Mice need objects to help with navigation, so lawn clutter can inspire them to enter your yard.

• Mice feed on seeds, nuts, and fruit. Bird Feeders and nut- or fruit-producing trees can be a catalyst for a mice infestation. 

How do I keep mice out of my house?

Mice control is a multi-pronged process. You need to remove attractants, address hiding places, seal harborage locations, remove access points to your roof, seal gaps in your exterior, and apply traps if necessary. Mice won't make your job easy. They have behavior patterns and abilities that make mice control difficult. 

Do mice have bones?

An adult mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. If you're aware of this, you might wonder if they have bones? We can assure you that they do. If they didn't, they'd just lay on the ground and go nowhere. The reason a mouse is able to get through such a small hole is that most of its body is fleshy and spongy. Its head bone is the largest bone in its body. If a mouse can get its head through a hole, it can fit the rest of its body through. 

How do you know when all the mice are gone?

If you're wondering whether or not you still have a mice infestation, there are a few ways you can tell. Mice leave their droppings and urine for you to detect. If you do a detailed inspection and search in secluded spaces, you may be able to tell that mice are still present in your home. You may also see grease marks on baseboards, notice footprints in food particles, or see the damage mice do.

What is the best way to get rid of mice? 

If you live in Western Massachusetts, the best way to get rid of mice is to contact American Pest Solutions. We use advanced rodent-control products and strategies combined with professional inspections to ensure that no mice remain inside your home or business.