In Western North Carolina, we primarily see two types of mice in homes; the common House Mouse and the Deer Mouse.
Each year, these small rodents cause significant damage to property, crops, and food supplies across the United States. In addition to damaging property, rodents may also spread diseases, posing risks to public health through rodent-borne diseases which can be transferred directly to humans through bite wounds, consumption of food and/or water or breathing dust contaminated by rodent droppings. Mice also impact us indirectly by way of ticks, mites, and fleas that transmit the infection to humans after feeding on infected rodents.
Signs of mice include droppings around floors and counters, scratching sounds, gnaw marks, and chewed boxes. During the day, mice sleep hidden away in their nests typically made of soft materials. Nesting materials could include shredded paper, cardboard boxes, insulation, or cotton.
Tips to avoid problems mice:
- Remove food sources. Keep food in airtight containers and clean up spills immediately. Don't leave pet food out overnight.
- Seal entry points. Seal holes and cracks in walls, doors, and around plumbing with steel wool or concrete. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and cover the edges with metal.
- Remove nesting sites. Remove leaf piles, deep mulch, and other items that mice can use to build nests.
- Use scents that mice dislike. Mice dislike the strong smell of peppermint and essential oils like eucalyptus, bergamot, clove, and cinnamon.