When you spot a tiny critter streaking across your garage, chances are good it is a mouse running back to its pack. If that is the case, you and your Modesto, CA neighbors may have an infestation of mice. The time has come to take immediate action.

What do mice look like?

Aside from being smaller than rats, mice have lighter undersides and larger, floppy ears. Mice also tend to have long, thin tails with hair but rat tails will usually be hairless and scaly. Also, these tiny rodents have slim bodies with brown, gray, or black fur.

Just the fact that your mouse was running so fast is another significant indicator. Mice are excellent athletes with exceptional jumping, swimming, climbing, and dodging ability.

Where do mice hide in my home?

Mice are very intent on staying out of our sight. Because they are nocturnal, they can go about their business when most of us are asleep. They hang out and nest in places we are least likely to visit. Mice’s most common hiding places are:

Stoves
Beneath Refrigerators
Under Dishwashers
Garages and Attics
Insulation

During the colder months, mice seek shelter in your home or business for warmth and nesting. By the end of winter, you could have a full-blown infestation because they are very prolific breeders.

What attracts mice to my garage?

Mice like hanging around us because they eat the same foods we like to eat. Plus, your garage provides shelter from predators and makes ideal nesting conditions. Since they need very little water, mice can stay hydrated in the food they find in your home.

These creatures are eternally curious, crafty, and persistent. These are some of the ways they get into your home.

Cracks and opening in floors, walls, and foundations
Broken vents
Windows that remain propped open.
Faults in the roof
Drainage pipes

Mice are hard to find. You can usually detect their presence by their droppings, chewing marks on food containers, and scratches on furniture.

Are mice dangerous?

The presence of mice in your garage can pose serious problems. These pests are silent but potentially dangerous to your environments. Here are some of the possible hazards.

Illness: Mice can spread a variety of over thirty-five diseases. Some of the most serious ones are typhus, jaundice, and the bubonic plague.
Bite risks: Mice will bite humans, which carries a severe infection risk.
Food, air, and water contamination: Mice often contaminate these essential things with their feces, fur, and urine.
Fire and property hazards: These vermin tend to chew through electrical wiring and other insulating material. Without you knowing, they can damage furniture, insulation, and structural matter.

How can I get rid of mice in my garage?

When it comes to mouse control in your garage, you should have a sense of urgency. Because they can produce up to seven offspring every month, new infestations can occur in other parts of your home, business, or neighborhood. There are some immediate actions you can take.

Plug and block entryways: Seal every hole and crevice that you can find. In the surrounding area, look for any sign of mice tunnels and block them. Plus, discourage nesting by decluttering your garage, basement, and other storage areas.
Do a deep cleaning: Focus on areas where stored food is accessible. Make sure these items are in airtight containers.
Install weather stripping: By focusing on securing your garage door, you’ll be stopping mice from entering.

Keep in mind that the number of dead mice doesn’t necessarily signal victory. Instead, look for empty nests and the absence of droppings when searching for mice in your garage.

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