Most of us have a natural revulsion for mice and rats, whether our first impulse when we see one of them is EEK!, UGH!!, or YUCK!!! Rodents are pests throughout the year, and this year they have been especially numerous in many areas. But it’s during the fall and winter, when it starts to cool down outside and food is scarcer, that we see the number of mice and rats invading homes and businesses dramatically increase.
Mouse and rat populations explode where they have plenty of food. They feed on garbage, fallen fruits and nuts outdoors, spilled grain below bird feeders, boxed or bagged food they can gnaw into, and many other items. Rodents tend to be omnivorous, eating or nibbling on most any food available, although cereals and grains are among the foods they will consume regularly. They develop food preferences—mice in offices show a preference for chocolate and snack foods, presumably because these are the foods they find there.
Keep in mind that mice and rats multiply fastest when they have plenty of food, water, and shelter. For instance, mice give birth to 2-13 young every 30-50 days. It’s been shown that mice that have everything they need produce the largest litters, and more frequently. So as much as possible, it’s always important to prevent mice and rats from having access to food, water and shelter.
We are the area experts at controlling these common rodent pests. If you, or someone you know, have mice or rats, call us to control them.