A small problem can get out of hand quickly due to the fast reproduction capabilities of mice. We have found insulation inside attics, and crawlspaces completely infested with mice, their droppings and urine. In alot of cases a full attic restoration is in order. Most homeowners either have never been in their attics or they don’t inspect it on a regular basis. The attic creates a protected dark and warm environment for mice.
- Mice squeak at very high frequencies, often above the range of human hearing.
- Mice can jump down 12 feet without injury; they also have a 12-inch vertical jump.
- Mice can scale rough vertical surfaces and walk along thin ropes and wires.
- Mice constantly leave droppings in the areas they frequent.
- Fresh mouse droppings are dark, soft, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length and pointed at both ends.
- Mice prefer to travel adjacent to walls and other edges.
- They forage only for short distances from their nest, usually not more than 10 to 25 feet.
- Mice explore their territory daily, showing no aversion to new objects (neophobia).
- The average mouse consumes 3-4g per day, preferring cereal grains and seeds.
- Mice may make 20 to 30 visits to different food sites each night taking as little as 0.15g at each site.
- Mice can chew through anything softer than their teeth, including electrical wiring a fire hazard.
- Mice produce 6 – 10 litters of 5 -10 pups per year. They begin breeding at two months of age.
- Mice can transmit salmonellosis (bacterial food poisoning) when food is contaminated with infected mouse feces.
- Mice also transmit rickettsial pox, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, leptospirosis, ratbite fever, tularemia, dermatitis, and hantavirus.