In North Georgia, we have been providing Mouse Trapping services for 15 years and found several species of mice and similar rodents. Some of the most common species of mice include: House Mouse, White-footed Mouse, Deer Mouse & Cotton Mouse. Not that the type of mouse matters when they are running around your attic but what I find interesting is that the above species is all we are supposed to have in our area but we, as professional (rodent) mouse trappers, know that when people move from out of State they often bring their critters with them. So… you never know what we could run into out here. That is why we never say “NEVER”.
These small, seemingly innocent creatures (mice) have mastered the art of invading our homes, especially in the beautiful landscapes of North Georgia, including Duluth (Johns Creek), Cumming, Milton, and all the way to Dawsonville & Blue Ridge. But why are these furry little intruders so persistent? Let’s dive deeper into the world of rodents, mice specifically, and their habits.
Natural Habitat of Mice in Georgia
Naturally, these creatures prefer fields, woodlands, and grassy areas, offering them ample food, shelter, and opportunities to burrow. As the seasons change, however, the cozy attics and walls of our homes become increasingly inviting to these critters.
Mouse Mating and Reproduction: A Growing Concern
Mice reproduce at an astonishing rate. A single pair of mice can give birth to a litter of 5-6 offspring every three weeks. If left unchecked, you could have a rapidly growing population in your attic or walls. Within a few short months, this could mean dozens or even hundreds of mice calling your home their own.
Telltale Signs of Mice in your home
Detecting a mouse infestation is crucial. Typical signs include:
- – Small, dark droppings.
- – Gnawed holes in walls, boxes, or food packages.
- – Scratching sounds in the walls, especially during the night.
- – Nest materials like shredded paper or fabric.
- – An unusual, musky odor after it has been going on for a while.
Why Do They Enter and What Attracts Them?
We get asked this question a lot. Often because people associate mice & rats (rodents in general) with dirty homes. Frankly, it can be the cleanest of homes that has to battle with mice. Once you have rodents it is inevitable that you will have them again & again. It is due to urine marking that it keeps recurring.
Let’s explain URINE MARKING. Rodents, like many animals, use a complex set of communication methods to interact with each other, and one of the primary ways is through urine marking. Urine contains pheromones, chemical compounds that convey a wealth of information to other rodents—ranging from territory boundaries, reproductive status, to individual identities. When rodents invade homes, they leave behind these urine markers, which not only serve as navigational aids but also communicate the presence of a “safe” habitat to other rodents. Over time, as more rodents enter and mark within the same spaces, these areas become even more attractive due to the buildup of pheromonal cues. This cyclical pattern of urine marking can make homes particularly appealing, signaling to other rodents that the environment is suitable for shelter and sustenance. As a result, what starts as a minor intrusion can escalate, with the home’s pheromonal landscape drawing in an ever-increasing number of these pests.
Making Your Home Less Attractive to Mice
Some habitat modifications can reduce the allure of your home to mice and rats:
The Risks of Mice Infestations
Mice aren’t just annoying; they carry potential health risks. They can spread diseases like salmonellosis, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM), and hantavirus. Plus, their constant gnawing can damage wood, wiring, and insulation, leading to potential fire hazards. ( But to put this in perspective I am not an alarmist and we have contact with wildlife everyday and we have not gotten sick.)
Mouse Trapping With Southern Wildlife Management
Should you find evidence of mice in your home, Southern Wildlife Management offers a hassle-free Mouse Trapping services. We charge a flat rate trapping fee per week with no hidden costs. Our commitment includes:
- No setup fees.
- No per-animal fees.
- Daily trap checks, even though most mouse trapping jobs use lethal means of trapping (snap traps) it is discrete and we still check the traps every single day to remove any rodents trapped, rebait the traps and consider new placement of any traps that are not productive this is making the most out of your trapping dollars.
- While we are there trapping we perform a thorough assessment of your home for potential entry points, followed by a no-obligation quote for exclusion work.
Interesting Mouse Facts:
1. Diverse Diet: While many people assume mice only eat cheese, wild mice have a varied diet that includes seeds, fruits, insects, and even fungi.
2. Night Owls: Mice are primarily nocturnal. They venture out mainly at night to search for food, using their whiskers to navigate in the dark.
3. Prolific Breeders: A single pair of mice can produce as many as 10 litters in one year. With an average of 5-6 babies per litter, their population can grow rapidly if not kept in check.
4. Jumping Jacks: Mice are great jumpers and climbers. They can jump up to a foot and a half in the air, which is quite a feat considering their size.
5. Tiny Drinkers: Mice can get most of the water they need from the food they eat. They only drink about 3 grams of water daily.
6. Sensitive Whiskers: A mouse’s whiskers are not just for looks. They’re highly sensitive and help the mouse sense changes in its environment, aiding in navigation, especially in the dark.
7. Burrowers: In the wild, mice create intricate burrows with long entrances and multiple escape tunnels. These burrows offer protection from predators and serve as a place to store food.
8. Short Lifespan: The average lifespan of a wild mouse is typically only about 1-2 years. This short lifespan is due to various factors, including predation, disease, and harsh environmental conditions.
9. Quiet Vocalists: Mice communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations, which are too high-pitched for the human ear to detect. These calls play a role in mating rituals and social interactions.
10. Memory Masters: Mice have been shown to have a remarkable ability to recognize objects and navigate mazes, indicating a good memory and cognitive abilities.