House Mouse Pest Control in Toronto
House Mice IdentificationThey have a distinctive appearance that helps to distinguish them from other rodents. They have a body length of about 2.5 to 3.75 inches, and a tail length of about 2.75 to 4 inches. Their fur color varies from light brown to dark gray, depending on their location and environment. They have a pointed muzzle, large ears, and small black eyes. Their feet are adapted for running and climbing, and their tails are used for balance.
HabitatsHouse mice can live in a variety of habitats, both natural and artificial. They prefer areas that provide shelter, food, and water, such as fields, forests, grasslands, farms, barns, warehouses, and houses. House mice are very adaptable and can survive in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, drought, and flooding. They are also very social and form complex social hierarchies within their groups. A typical house mouse group consists of one dominant male, several subordinate males, and many females and young.
ThreatsThey pose several threats to humans and the environment. They can cause significant damage to crops, stored food, furniture, appliances, and electrical wires by gnawing and nesting. They can also contaminate food and water sources with their urine, feces, and saliva, which can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Some of the diseases that house mice can transmit to humans and animals include salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hantavirus, plague, typhus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. House mice can also introduce invasive species, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and worms, that can affect the native biodiversity and ecosystem.
HabitsHouse mice are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. They have a keen sense of smell, hearing, and touch, which help them navigate and communicate in the dark. They also use vocalizations, such as squeaks, chirps, and ultrasonic sounds, to communicate with each other. House mice are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. They prefer seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, and insects, but will also eat almost anything that is available, including cheese, meat, bread, and chocolate. House mice are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whenever and wherever they find food, rather than storing it for later. House mice are prolific breeders, meaning they can reproduce quickly and frequently. They can mate year-round, but their peak breeding season is in the spring and summer. A female house mouse can produce up to 10 litters per year, with an average of 6 pups per litter. The gestation period is about 19 to 21 days, and the weaning period is about 21 to 28 days. The lifespan of a house mouse is about 1 to 2 years in the wild, and up to 4 years in captivity.
What Do House Mice Eat ?As mentioned above, house mice are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They will eat almost anything that is edible and accessible, but they have some preferences and nutritional needs. House mice need a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Some of the foods that house mice commonly eat are:
Seeds: House mice love seeds, especially sunflower seeds, millet, oats, barley, and wheat. Seeds provide them with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber, which are essential for their energy, growth, and digestion. House mice will often hoard seeds in their nests or burrows for future consumption.
Grains: House mice also enjoy grains, such as rice, corn, and quinoa. Grains provide them with carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, which are important for their metabolism, immunity, and nervous system. House mice will often raid grain stores, such as silos, bins, and bags, and cause significant losses for farmers and food industries.
Nuts: House mice like nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Nuts provide them with proteins, fats, and minerals, which are vital for their muscle, skin, and bone health. House mice will often crack nuts with their teeth and eat the kernels inside.
Fruits: House mice also eat fruits, such as apples, bananas, grapes, and berries. Fruits provide them with carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for their blood, vision, and cellular repair. House mice will often nibble on fruits that are ripe, fallen, or discarded by humans.
Insects: House mice also eat insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. Insects provide them with proteins, fats, and chitin, which are essential for their tissue, hormone, and exoskeleton synthesis. House mice will often hunt insects that are small, slow, or abundant in their habitats.
Cheese: House mice are famously associated with cheese, but they do not actually eat it as much as people think. Cheese provides them with proteins, fats, and calcium, which are important for their growth, development, and dental health. However, cheese also contains lactose, which house mice cannot digest well and can cause them diarrhea and bloating. House mice will only eat cheese if they are hungry and have no other food options.
Signs of an InfestationHouse mice are sneaky and secretive, and they can be hard to spot in your home. However, they leave behind some clues that can indicate their presence and activity. Some of the signs of a house mouse infestation are:
Droppings: House mouse droppings are small, dark, and rod-shaped, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. They are usually found along walls, under furniture, in cabinets, and near food sources. House mice can produce up to 80 droppings per day, and their droppings can carry diseases and parasites.
Gnaw marks: House mouse gnaw marks are small, clean, and smooth, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide. They are usually found on wood, plastic, paper, and cloth materials. House mice gnaw on these materials to sharpen their teeth, build their nests, or access food and water. House mice can damage electrical wires, pipes, insulation, and furniture with their gnawing.
Tracks: House mouse tracks are small, faint, and irregular, about 3/8 inch long. They are usually found in dusty or muddy areas, such as basements, attics, and garages. House mice leave behind footprints, tail marks, and urine trails as they move around. House mice can also leave behind rub marks, which are greasy stains caused by their fur rubbing against walls and surfaces.
Nests: House mouse nests are small, messy, and hidden, about 4 to 6 inches in diameter. They are usually found in dark, secluded, and warm areas, such as behind appliances, under furniture, in wall voids, and in attics. House mice build their nests with shredded materials, such as paper, cloth, insulation, and plant matter. House mice can also use their nests to store food and raise their young.
Sounds: House mouse sounds are high-pitched, squeaky, and scratchy, and can be heard at night when they are most active. They are usually heard from walls, ceilings, floors, and vents. House mice make sounds to communicate with each other, to express their emotions, and to warn of predators or threats. House mice can also make noises with their gnawing, running, and digging.
Getting Rid of House MiceHouse mice are not only annoying, but also dangerous, and they should be eliminated as soon as possible. There are several methods to get rid of house mice, depending on the severity and location of the infestation. Some of the methods are:
Traps: Traps are devices that capture or kill house mice when they trigger a mechanism, such as a spring, a snap, or a glue. Traps are effective, inexpensive, and easy to use, and they can be baited with food, such as peanut butter, cheese, or chocolate. Traps should be placed along walls, near entry points, and in areas where mouse activity is high. Traps should be checked and emptied regularly, and the dead mice should be disposed of safely.
Baits: Baits are substances that contain a poison that kills house mice when they ingest it. Baits are attractive, palatable, and lethal, and they can be placed in tamper-resistant stations, which prevent access by children and pets. Baits should be placed along walls, near entry points, and in areas where mouse activity is high. Baits should be monitored and replenished frequently, and the dead mice should be disposed of safely.
When to call a house mice exterminator ?The best is to call us as soon as possible. We service the Greater Toronto Area, call us now 647 849 4441
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