Mouse Biology

**Professional Mouse Infestation Information**

**Overview of Mice Infestation**

Mice infestation is a prevalent issue that homeowners often encounter. These rodents, capable of widespread habitat adaptation, can cause substantial property damage. To mitigate the risks associated with mice infestation, professional mice removal services are essential.

**House Mouse Identification (Mus musculus)**

House mice are non-native rodents introduced to North America by early European settlers in coastal regions. They have since proliferated across the United States, including Atlanta, Georgia.

- **Physical Characteristics**: House mice have an average body and head length ranging from 2” to 3 ½”, excluding their almost equally long tail. Their fur color varies from whitish-grey to dark brown, complemented by a nearly bald tail and moderately large, naked ears.

- **Behavioral Traits**: Typically nocturnal, house mice may also be active during daylight hours when food is scarce. Their diet is diverse, encompassing grains, fruits, vegetables, and refuse.

- **Reproductive Patterns**: House mice exhibit prolific breeding capabilities, with females reaching sexual maturity in approximately 35 days and males in 60 days. A single female mouse can produce multiple litters, each consisting of 4 to 8 offspring, every 20 days.

- **Sensory Abilities**: Despite poor vision, house mice possess well-developed senses of smell, taste, and hearing. They excel in climbing and swimming, enabling them to navigate various environments.

**Behavioral Patterns Leading to Nuisance Pest Status**

House mice are opportunistic dwellers, seeking shelter in attics, walls, basements, crawl spaces, and other accessible living spaces. Their nocturnal activities, including nesting, breeding, and foraging, can disrupt households. A single female mouse can live up to one year, producing over 70 offspring during her lifespan.

**Health and Property Damage Caused by Mice**

The presence of mice poses health risks due to potential disease transmission, including Rickettsiapox, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and E.coli, through bites, fleas, microbes, feces, and contaminated food. Additionally, mice can cause property damage by chewing electrical wires.

**Mouse Removal & Control in Atlanta, Georgia**

Achieving long-term relief from mouse infestations requires comprehensive strategies, including:

- **Trapping**: The initial step involves trapping, with live-trapping being effective for field mice and rats but less so for other mouse species. Given the challenges involved, it's advisable to consult professional rodent exterminators like Urban Wildlife Control for effective mouse removal.

- **Habitat Modification**: Removing potential food sources, such as pet food and human food scraps, and eliminating hiding places are essential steps in rodent control.

- **Exclusion**: Physically restricting rodent access by sealing entry points is a highly effective long-term solution. Given mice's climbing abilities and size adaptability, exclusion can be labor-intensive but crucial for sustained relief from rodent problems.