October 26, 2023
If only fall in Maine was wearing cozy sweaters, sipping on warm drinks, and finding the perfect pumpkin to complement your front porch. Alas, it’s also the time of year when mice are searching for shelter from the chill. If you’ve been hearing mice scurrying around in your ceiling already, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you can do when you hear mice in the ceiling, with an emphasis on why it’s best to contact a pest control company rather than attempting DIY solutions.
Identifying the problem
The first step in addressing a mouse infestation in your ceiling is to confirm the issue. Listen for telltale scratching, scuttling, and squeaking sounds these small rodents often make when they’re active inside homes. You should also look for droppings, chewed wires, nests, or other signs of a mouse problem. Of course, we should mention that rats and other rodents could be behind some of the mess you may find, which is why you should consider hiring a pest control company. Accurate identification is essential and not always as easy as you think.
Dangers of a mouse infestation
Before we elaborate on how to handle a mouse infesting situation, it’s important to understand the potential hazards associated with this type of pest problem.
Disease transmission
Mice can carry various rodent-borne disease and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans and animals.
Property damage
Mice chew through insulation, gnaw on electrical wiring, and sink their ever-growing teeth into other building materials. This can lead to costly repairs and may even create a fire hazard.
Contamination
Wherever they go, mice leave droppings and urine behind. Kitchen counters, containers filled with holiday décor, and other items and spaces all have the potential to be contaminated by these rodents and their waste.
Why choose pest control pros to solve a mouse problem
While DIY methods might seem like a cost-effective solution, we can think of a few compelling reasons why it would be better to hire a pest control company that specializes in rodent control.
Expertise over guess work
Pest control specialists are trained to handle infestations using tried and true methods. What’s more, they can accurately identify the culprit and determine the extent of the problem quickly, which allows them to implement effective solutions.
The right products & methods
Many DIY mouse control solutions involve using potentially harmful chemicals or products that could pose a risk to the house occupants and any pets living in the structure if not used properly or in the right place. Pest control companies use mouse control products and strategies that are lethal to mice but not to people or pets. What’s more, trained pest control pros install traps and bait boxes in the correct areas and avoid using materials in areas that are easily accessible to humans.
Long-term results
Pest control experts are not only looking to solve the immediate mouse problem, but also implement preventative measures to reduce the chances of a re-infestation.
If you have mice in the ceiling (or elsewhere in your home) contact Pine State Pest Solutions
As we mentioned in our previous blog post, More Acorns May Mean More Mice In Your Home This Fall, there’s been a significant increase in mouse problems this fall. In fact, we’re already hearing from concerned homeowners in Westbrook, Topsham, and Lewiston as well as throughout our multi-county service; don’t wait for these pests to take over your home!
Our locally owned pest control company offers effective rodent control services that start with a very detailed rodent inspection. From there, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan that could include:
- An initial clean-out to remove mice (or rats) already active inside your home
- Minor exclusion work to close the gaps, cracks, and openings rodents are using to enter the house
- Exterior bait boxes around the outside of the structure
- Interior bait boxes installed in the attic, garage, and basement, if applicable
- Follow-up services to ensure that the rodent population has been eliminated
While we’re at your home, we’ll also point out anything that could be contributing to your infestation. For example, we’ll show you landscaping elements that attract mice or yard debris that offers them plenty of hiding places.
Keep mice out with ongoing home pest control services
In addition to our stand-alone rodent control, Pine State offers year-round pest control services for homes and camps that stop mice, rats, and other house-infesting pests from taking over. If you’ve found that your home is a magnet for pest activity, no matter the season, this might be the ideal solution! Compare our residential plans below or simply give us a shout!
*initial start-up fees may apply.