Remodeling Doesn't Have To Be Hard

When does a mouse problem turn into a mouse infestation? The answer can be complicated, but one simple fact is always true: a single mouse sighting isn't something you should ever ignore. While one mouse might not seem like a major problem, it can often be an early warning sign of a much deeper issue in your home.

If you've seen tiny, furry invaders skittering through your home, you shouldn't treat it as a minor nuisance. Instead, remember these three reasons why even a single mouse sighting may require professional attention.

1. You Can't See the Full Problem

Rodents can make their nests in a variety of areas throughout your home. Like many rodents, they prefer relatively out-of-the-way, warm, and safe areas. When you spot a mouse in your home, it's often one that has ventured out to look for food or find a new nesting location. Whatever the case, that single mouse is just the tip of the iceberg.

In many cases, you may not even realize if a single mouse enters your home. These lone invaders may stick to walls or other hidden areas, entering and leaving before you ever notice their presence. On the other hand, spotting a mouse may mean there are many more hidden in crevices. The more often you see mice in your home, the greater the likelihood you have a full-blown infestation.

2. You May Have Several Entry Points

Mice can enter your home through extremely small entry points. Many mice can enter through holes only about a quarter of an inch in diameter. In general, these entry points can be almost anywhere. Mice can find their way through attics, basements, or damage under your home's siding. If you spot a mouse in your home, you know you have at least one of these vulnerabilities.

Unfortunately, if one mouse finds its way inside, you can be sure that other mice will eventually find the same weak point. Even if you don't have an infestation, you can expect more mice to eventually enter your home. The sooner you hire a rodent control professional, the sooner you can locate these entry points and develop a strategy to seal them.

3. Mice Populations Can Explode

How long does it take for a single breeding mouse to explode into a massive infestation? The answer is "an uncomfortable short amount of time." Mice may have litters as many as ten times per year, with more than ten baby mice in each litter. A breeding mouse anywhere in your home is a major problem that can quickly explode out of control.

While a single mouse isn't always a sign of a much larger breeding population, there is almost no way to know the extent of the problem without working with a professional. Waiting too long can allow that lone mouse to fill your home with many generations of descendants. For more information on mice control, contact a professional near you.