Mice are common household pests. While they are not as big of a pest control problem as rats or termites, they still get into your food, gnaw on wooden furniture and other wooden belongings, and can sometimes transmit bacteria and viruses, even if you never see or touch the animal. If you've seen mice or droppings in your home, consider the following pest control tips.

Do:

Remove food sources.

Mice stay where there's food, and the more food there is, the more they breed. If you want to keep the population down and discourage them from coming back once you've gotten rid of them, store all of your food in sturdy, airtight containers and avoid paper, thin plastic, or cardboard receptacles. Get a trash can with a securely sealed lid, and clean up all kitchen messes as soon as they happen.

Find where they're hiding.

Poison and traps are most effective when you place them where the mice will get to them. They like undisturbed areas, such as the area inside your walls and unused drawers, and they'll chew holes about 1.5 inches across to get to these areas. Then, they'll build nests of paper, fabric, cotton, tissue, and other soft materials. Even if you can't find the nest itself, you'll see gnaw marks and droppings where the mice have been. Be sure to place traps around or inside of these areas.

Don't:

Delay getting help.

When you have mice in your home, you need to act immediately. Mice cause property damage and sometimes carry diseases. Letting an infestation continue is a health hazard for you, your family, and even your pets, who may attack or eat the mice. To prevent this, call for residential pest control services immediately.

Ignore the mess.

Mouse droppings and urine are a hazard, even if you don't touch them. When they dry out, the dust can release bacteria and viruses into the air inside your home. Mice that die in your home present a similar problem. During and after an infestation, you need to clean up droppings, mouse nests, and other residues carefully. Use protective equipment when you clean and disinfect the area thoroughly. If they got into the air ducts, you should schedule a professional duct cleaning.

For professional pest control that’s guaranteed to end your mouse problem, call Vogelsang Pest Management in Wentzville, MO. For over 21 years, Jeff Vogelsang has served St. Charles County, using state-of-the-art equipment and offering regularly scheduled inspections to keep your home free of any pests. For a free estimate, visit their website or call (314) 601-1789 today.