What To Do About House Mice In Your Chandler Home

Nestled within the Grand Canyon State is one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. Chandler is the perfect town to settle down, relax, and revive your spirits. With over 60 recreational parks, Chandler provides perfect spots to kick back, unwind, and enjoy leisurely walks. The house mouse is one of the invasive rodents in Chandler that likes to settle down and relax in local homes. Once it's comfy cozy, it isn't easy to run them out of town.

What's The Difference Between Mice And Rats In Chandler?

When people first see a furry rodent zipping across their floor, most don't stop to analyze whether it is a mouse or rat. Once you get over the shock of seeing a furry critter whiz past you, wise homeowners in Chandler will want to determine which species have invaded their territory. Some differences between mice and rats are as follows:

• Mice tend to be small (3 to 4 inches long); rats are more significant (6 to 11 inches long).

• Mice weigh about ½ to 3 ounces, while many rats (Norway and roof) can average 5 to 12 ounces.

• Mice have smaller heads (with large-looking ears) than rats (ears can be large or small).

• Most mice have pointed noses; rats can have blunt or pointed noses.

• Mouse tails tend to be long, thin, and hairy (the same color as their fur); rat tails tend to be thick, hairless, and scaley (tend to be pink).

• Mouse droppings are like grains of rice around 1/8 to ¼ inch and numerous (40-100 per day), and rat droppings are more rounded, measuring up to ¾ inch (20-50 per day).

The Diseases Spread By Mice In Chandler

Rodents, in general, have been known to spread over 35 different diseases. Diseases can spread to humans through rodents that are dead or alive. Contact with their feces, saliva, and urine can also be an avenue for passing along the disease. Bites from rodents are also dangerous. Specific diseases house mice carry include the following:

• Tularemia

• Leptospirosis

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

• Salmonellosis

• Allergies and asthma problems are also common in homes when dust and urine can cause symptoms to flare up and sometimes become severe.

Tips To Keep Mice Away From Your Chandler Home

Since house mice carry serious diseases, homeowners must shore up potential weak spots around their homes. Routine checks, inside and out, are needed to keep house mice out of homes.

Ten ways to keep mice away are as follows:

1. Seal (silicon-based caulking/steel wool) foundational cracks/gaps and areas where vents, pipes, or utility cables enter your home.

2. Inspect and seal gaps in vents/chimneys. Consider capping chimneys and using metal screening over vents.

3. Keep wood frames around doors/windows in good repair and seal any gaps/openings.

4. Remove yard debris that provides harborage for mice (leaf litter, woodpiles, and yard junk).

5. Trim tree limbs that hang over your home.

6. Store outside firewood at least 20 feet from your home.

7. Store food inside glass or metal containers.

8. Repair leaking pipes/drains.

9. Ventilate basements, crawl spaces, and attics.

10. Declutter storage areas.

The Most Effective House Mice Control For Chandler Homes

Even the most vigilant and conscientious homeowners will have house mouse problems. Because mice in Chandler breed rapidly, homeowners should reach out to the pest professionals at Green Home Pest Control as soon as they become aware of mouse problems. Our technicians have dealt with house mice infestations for over 30 years. We are experts at identifying how they access homes, their behaviors, and their favorite hiding spots. Call Green Home Pest Control today for professional house mouse control solutions.