Deer Mouse Control
Deer Mouse
Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) occupies several different ecological zones all over its range. These rodents sometimes invade residential homes, but they can be a problem in farming areas, vacation homes, outbuildings and sheds. Deer mice are of medical concern because they are common carriers of Hantavirus.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms, which can rapidly progress to life-threatening breathing issues. Several types of rodents carry them, in particular the deer mouse. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans mainly by the aerosolization of viruses released in droppings, urine, or saliva from rodents. Given the limited treatment options, the best protection against pulmonary Hantavirus syndrome is to avoid rodents and their habitats.
Other dangers associated with deer mice
Mice and rats can accumulate feces that transmit bacteria, contaminate food sources and cause allergic reactions in humans. When the fecal matter dries it can be harmful for those who breathe it in. Rodent droppings can also spread diseases and viruses. With rapid rates of reproduction, rodents can easily go from being imperceptible to causing a full-blown infestation.
Also, it is important for homeowners to be aware of signs of rodents, such as scampering sounds in ceilings, droppings found in undisturbed places or partially eaten food in the kitchen. If an infestation is suspected, a pest professional can provide the expertise and know-how to deal with the issue.
Identification of Deer Mouse
The deer mouse has a small size of body, no more than a house mouse’s. It is grayish to reddish brown with white underparts. Deer mice also have big ears and white bellies, and their tails are usually hairless. Their backs are typically brown in color, but can also be black or grey. If you spot an adult deer mouse, its body will likely be anywhere from 3 to 4 inches long, with its tail adding an additional 2 to 5 inches.
Deer mice are attracted by the piles of rocks or firewood in the yard. When cold weather hits, these pests may sneak into cabins and barns, as well as homes in suburban residential and rural areas. Those mice are small and move indoors near the ground through tiny openings. They may also climb to upper floors using vines and tree branches to sneak into attics.
Prevention of Deer Mouse
Make sure all holes of greater diameter than a pencil are plugged to keep the deer mice and other rodents out. Mice can squeeze up as small as a dime through spaces. Seal any holes or vacuums in the foundation, don’t overlook drainage and always install gutters or diverts that will channel water away from the building. When working in an area populated heavily, use thick gloves and protective breathing gears.
Preventing deer mice from entering your home also includes removing the environments that might attract them around your home. Make sure garbage cans have strong lids on them and they’re kept a distance away from your house, along with woodpiles and compost piles. You should also trim back trees, bushes and other landscaping from your house. Sealing cracks and crevices in foundations is important, placing a tight-fitting cap on the chimney’s, ensuring that ventilation covers are secure, and creeping gaps around windows and doors. Deer mice can fit through very small openings in order to enter into a building.
Control
A program for elimination and exclusion can be developed using tamper-resistant bait stations inside and outside the home in areas where they are most likely to be inhabited-attics, behind appliances, under sinks, and outdoors along foundation walls and decks. You may also use snap traps and glue boards to help eliminate an infestation. Because of the risk of exposure to Hantavirus, we recommend using a respirator when removing or cleaning up after a deer mouse infestation, disinfecting and dampening the areas to help control particles of dust in the air; because these precautions are necessary, professional treatments are recommended.
The most reliable solution
Our experts at Advance Pest Control are the most reliable way to manage deer mice inside your home. Our professional technicians can help you control deer mice by scrutinizing your property thoroughly and determining where the mice may enter. We would then either prescribe exclusion methods or take action to exempt you from them.
With a very successful track record, our professionals can easily find the areas infected by these mice and apply techniques to eliminate them from the area permanently. If you are planning to get permanent solutions, contact Advance Pest Control today and see how our professionals visit your place and make your property mice-free with advance technique and expertise in the field.