ANSWERING COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MICE LIVING IN AIKEN

What do mice eat? Are mice scared of humans? Do cats keep mice away? If you’ve got questions about the mice in Aiken, you’re not the only one. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that local residents have about mice, including whether they eat wood, what causes mice in clean homes, how hard mice are to get rid of, and how pest control in Aiken can help.

Can Mice Eat Wood?

You may expect termites or carpenter ants to chew through wood, but what about mice? Although mice don’t eat wood for nourishment, they aren’t afraid to chew through wood in your home – especially if there’s a food source or a good hiding spot waiting on the other side.

Like many rodents, mice have extremely strong teeth, which allow them to chew through materials like vinyl, plastic, rubber, screening, and even wood. A single mouse is capable of gnawing through a piece of 2x4 lumber, and they’ll usually chew holes that are just big enough for them to squeeze through.

If you have water-damaged or rotting wood sitting around your home, mice may target these structural weaknesses because they’re easier to chew through – but a piece of wood doesn’t have to be rotting for mice to destroy it.

What Do Mice Eat?

Wood may not be a part of a mouse’s regular diet, but grains, fruits, peanut butter, and even chocolate can be. Don’t be surprised if mice chew through your wooden cabinets so they can get their teeth on the goodies waiting inside.

What Causes Mice In A Clean House?

Many people associate mice, and most pest infestations, with dirty or poorly-maintained houses – but can you get mice in a clean house too? Yes, even a spotless home can be susceptible to a mouse or rodent infestation.

Three factors attract mice: food, water, and shelter. Although dirty homes may be more attractive because they provide easier access to food and water, mice can usually find food and water in clean homes too. And, regardless of cleanliness, your home will provide mice with warm shelter.

Even if you keep with clutter, mice may still feed on dirty dishes sitting in your sink, food packages in your pantry, or even crumbs that have accidentally ended up on the floor. While practicing good food and trash storage is still important to prevent mice, you shouldn’t assume that you will never have to deal with mice or other pests just because your home is clean.

Are Mice Harder To Get Rid Of Than Rats?

When it comes to dealing with mice and rats, both rodents are hard to get rid of for different reasons. Rats tend to be larger, and more aggressive, so there’s a higher risk of getting bitten.

While mice are more likely to flee than try to bite or attack you, they also reproduce more quickly, and since they are smaller, it’s easier for them to hide in tiny cracks and crevices. For this reason, mice can be harder to eliminate, especially once they’ve started nesting and breeding.

Both species can be very dangerous since rats and mice can spread a variety of rodent-borne illnesses and cause property damage to your home. Keep in mind that you’re unlikely to deal with both rats and mice at the same time. Rats actually eat mice, and as a result, mice don’t stick around long once they’ve gotten a whiff that rats are nearby.

Consult The Professionals When Dealing With Rodents In Aiken

Mice can be sneaky when they invade your Aiken home. Not only are they most active at night, but hiding in walls, crawlspaces, and other crevices can make it hard for homeowners to realize they are there. If you do suspect you have mice, there’s only one thing to do about these dangerous rodents – contact the residential pest control pros at Aiken Pest Control.

With decades of experience, we’ve been combating the mice in South Carolina for more than fifty years. If you have reason to believe you have mice or just have more questions about preventing mice in Aiken, don’t wait – contact us today at Aiken Pest Control to learn more about how our rodent control program works or request your freeze, no-obligation quote for our services.