Hickory Dickory Dock. The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one, the mouse ran down. Hickory, Dickory Dock.
That’s all very good for a nursery rhyme…but it might leave you wondering. Where did the mouse go? Well let me offer a little insight as to where that cute little, time-climbing rodent scurried off to.
First off, mice have an internal clock that is “programmed” by certain times of the year. In the fall, as the temperatures start to cool down, mice have an overwhelming urge for two things: Shelter and food. Residential homes and businesses offer both. Did you know that a common house mouse can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime? Do you also know how many openings around your home are roughly the size of a dime? Let’s list a few places that are a common entry points for mice:
- Crawl space vents
- Under garage doors
- Pet doors
- A/C and other plumbing intakes
- Crawl space access openings
- Under siding along the foundation line
- Dryer vents/duct work
- Front and back doors
- Open windows/bad screens
These are a few common openings that mice will take advantage of to gain access into that warm, cozy home of yours. Once inside, they’ll seek out small areas that offer dark, safe living accommodations where they can build a nest and eventually multiply.
Along with shelter, food and water are always a priority for mice. Even though you may not see evidence right away, you can bet that if a mouse has made its way into your home, it will find its way into your pantry. It’s almost inevitable ! All those cereal boxes left open, chips, crackers, and dried pastas are a delicacy to a hungry rodent. Boxes and bags provide less than adequate protection against those little sharp, gnawing teeth, and before you know it, it’s like they invited the whole family to dinner and one mouse has turned into a full blown infestation!
Now what? The cat’s obviously not doing his job! There’s a few things you can do to prevent a mouse issue in your home. First step is exclusion. Seal up entry points around the home. Install weather stripping under garage doors and man doors. Close foundation vents, caulk around A/C intake and plumbing lines, and repair screens. Once that’s done, be sure to keep food in seal tight containers like tupperware to prevent mice from getting in. Pick up pet food dishes at bedtime, and clean up crumbs left behind from snacks!
Even when the greatest effort of precaution is taken, sometimes mice still find their way in. If you need help with mice in the Boise area, contact Barrier Pest Control. Our Qualified technicians will come to your rescue!
