Having mice in the attic can be a serious problem; they’re dirty, they reproduce quickly, and they can do a lot of damage. Being alert for signs that you may have a mouse infestation can stop the problem from getting out of control; here are five key signs you should be aware of.
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1. Noise
Unusual sounds coming from the attic is the most common way that people realize they have mice in the attic. Mice are fairly secretive and avoid humans as much as possible; it’s far more likely for you to hear a mouse than to see a mouse. They’re also nocturnal, meaning that you’re more likely to hear strange sounds during the night.
There are two distinct sounds that mice make that can notify you of their presence. The first is a high-pitch squealing sound. This is how mice communicate with each other; the volume and pitch of the squeals will vary depending on what they’re trying to communicate. Secondly, you’ll likely hear scurrying or pattering noises as they move around. A good way to ensure that it’s mice in the attic is to tap the spot where you’re hearing noise. Mice will freeze up for about a minute before taking off, whereas other animals will either take off right away or carry on despite the interruption.
2. Insulation Tunnels
Mice look for warm places to nest, particularly if they’re carrying a litter or taking care of baby mice. The insulation commonly found in attics and crawl spaces is an ideal material to borrow beneath and keep warm, and mice are likely to take advantage of an abundance of insulation if you have it in your attic. Look for tunnels that have been burrowed into the insulation; mice tunnel their way in behind the insulation for maximum warmth.
3. Entry Points
Another sign that you might have mice in your attic is if you’ve noticed any holes or openings that lead from the outside of your home into the attic. Mice are skilled at gaining entry; they can fit through even the tiniest of holes to gain access to your home. Many people make the mistake of assuming the holes that they find are too small to fit a mouse, when in fact mice can squeeze through spaces that are smaller than their bodies. However, if you find a hole into your attic that is approximately the size of a dime, this is a serious red flag. This is the size of hole a mouse will leave after entering and exiting through that entry point multiple times.
4. Droppings
Mice tend to leave a fair bit of evidence of their presence. Although you might not spot the physical mouse scurrying around, you’re likely to notice mouse droppings scattered throughout your attic, even if they’ve only been there for a short period of time.
Mouse droppings are small but recognizable; they’re oval shaped and are usually pointed at one end. Think small brown pellets. However, and this is very important, mouse droppings can carry harmful diseases. If you’ve found mouse droppings within your home, don’t try to remove them yourself. Call a wildlife removal service to be safe.
5. Signs of Chewing
The reason that mice do so much chewing is actually because their teeth never stop growing throughout the course of their lives. In order to keep their teeth short and sharpened, they’ll gnaw on all kinds of materials, including wood, drywall, siding, and electrical wires.
If any of the surfaces in your attic show signs of having been chewed, you almost certainly have mice in the attic. If you notice chewing marks, or any of the other signs we’ve mentioned for that matter, you should act immediately. Mice can do serious damage if not taken care of.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!