Lying 125 miles west of Dallas is Longview, Texas. With 25 different lakes in the area, the view is breathtaking. Whether you enjoy strolling through nature, watching it while fishing, or riding through it on a four-wheeler, nature at a distance is phenomenal. Still, when the critters of nature, particularly mice, get a little too interested in your home, it's time to call the professionals for mouse control in Longview before they get too comfortable.
Identifying The Common Mouse: Differentiating Mice From Other Rodents
Of all the rodents that live around Longview homes, the rodents that cause the most mischief in homes are mice and rats. The best way to differentiate between mice and rats is by their size; rats are much larger, growing up to 16 inches long when you add in their tails; mice grow around half that size.
In the Longview area, most homeowners deal with either house mice or deer mice. House mice are more prone to invade homes. They usually have gray fur and grow between 5 1/4 and 7 3/4 inches long (including their tail). House mice have pointed noses, large ears (with some hair), and large eyes.
Another less frequent home invader is the deer mouse. These rodents have tan to dark brown hair on top, while their undercarriage and feet are white. Their tails help differentiate them from house mice since they are bicolored (half brown/half white). They grow from 5 to 8 inches (including their tail). Like house mice, they have pointed noses, large eyes, and a little hair on their large ears.
Having mice indoors can introduce severe property and health problems. Homeowners in Longview can get local help with rodent identification and mouse control services by calling in the professionals at Gecko Pest Control.
Health Risks And Property Damage: The Risks Of A Mouse Infestation
When rodents get indoors, it doesn't take long for them to make themselves right at home; they also like to bring friends with them, like mites, ticks, lice, and fleas. Once inside, mice search for nesting areas, food, and moisture. As they roam around a house, they'll leave mouse droppings, drip saliva, and urinate on surfaces, contaminating them. When they locate food, they'll nibble at and spoil it. Even the dust from their feces and urine droplets in the air can cause allergies or asthma flare-ups. As if contamination wasn't enough, mice carry and spread diseases.
Six diseases deer mice and house mice can carry and transmit include the following:
- Hantavirus
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Salmonellosis
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)
On top of health issues, mice are also incredibly destructive. They can ruin items they nest in with their feces and urine; they also love to shred insulation to create nests. They chew on almost everything (electrical wires, wood trim, household items); they can even chew holes through floors and walls!
As mice begin reproducing, they'll spread throughout homes, causing damages and costs to pile up. Homeowners with a mouse problem should always use a pest professional like Gecko Pest Control to remove mice from their Longview homes safely.
Professional Mouse Control: The Most Effective Elimination Solution
The most effective way to eliminate a mouse problem is to partner with a pest professional like Gecko Pest Control. Since 2000, our locally owned and operated company has been servicing the East Texas area. We specialize in professional pest control services with a personal relationship; we call it the "Gecko Experience." Start your pest-free living today by calling the professionals at Gecko Pest Control.
Preventative Measures For Mice: Keep Them Out Before They Get In
If there's a weak spot in your home's defenses, mice will try to exploit it. Proactive homeowners can utilize a few preventative measures that will help keep mice outdoors where they belong.
Mice often use cracks and gaps in foundations to get indoors. Sealing those entry points with a silicone-based caulk, especially in areas where pipes and utility lines come into homes, is a great deterrent; screens over vents and chimneys are also helpful. Using dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces and repairing any water leaks can do much to persuade mice to move on to other accommodations. Proper food storage (in airtight containers), regular and proper garbage disposal, and reducing clutter in homes are also helpful mouse deterrents.
While many mouse prevention tips can prove helpful in keeping mice outdoors, mice are ingenious when it comes to exploiting any minor weaknesses in your defenses. Should mice make it past your barriers, call in the pest experts at Gecko Pest Control for expert mouse removal services in Longview.