Did you know that while house mice only get to be about three inches long, they're still considered a dangerous pest? The common house mouse in New York is a frequent pest problem for many homes and businesses, and while they might not seem like a big deal, they can cause a long list of issues for property owners.

The house mouse is a greyish-brown color with a cream-colored belly. They are a small rodent that has large ears and proportionally long tails to their bodies. They are smaller than rats in the area, and they also have more pointed noses and skinnier tails than rats do.

Because of the number of people who live in New York City, mouse infestations can easily spread from your neighbors to your home or business, and this can lead to health issues and property damage. Mice are known to carry many diseases (including hantavirus), cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and even lead to long-term respiratory issues. Along with health concerns, they also constantly gnaw and can damage wiring, plumbing, flooring, and more.

Why Are Mice Attracted To Your Home?

Given that mice can seem cute and some people even keep them as pets, it’s easy to assume they aren’t as bad as other pests, but, just like rats, they are invasive, dangerous, and destructive. Keeping them out of your home by taking preventive measures is often the best way to keep you and your family safe.

Some of the most effective ways to prevent mice include getting rid of factors that attract them in the first place. Here are six tips to help make your home less appealing to mice:

Store pet food in airtight containers, as easy access to food is one of the main reasons mice come indoors.
Clean up any food or drink spills around your home and property.
Take out the trash regularly and put lids on outdoor trash cans.
Clean the kitchen often, which includes not leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
De-clutter around your property, as clutter gives mice great places to hide.
Keep bird feed out of reach.

How To Prevent Mice From Coming Inside

After you’ve done all you can to make your home less appealing to mice, you can further protect your property by sealing up entry points where mice often slip inside. Keep in mind that a mouse can slip through a crack the size of a dime, so it can be difficult to completely remove access. However, there are some things you can do to make your home less accessible to mice:

Repair any broken screens in doors and windows.
Ensure that doors are fitted tightly in their frames.
Check for cracks and holes in exterior walls and fill them with caulk.
Install door sweeps and weather stripping.

Why Getting Rid Of Mice On Your Own Doesn’t Work

The most common method of DIY house mouse removal is using traps, but these aren’t very effective at removing every mouse. They will get a few of them, but given how quickly mice reproduce and all of the places they can hide, it’s nearly impossible to remove them all on your own. This is why residential or commercial pest control is the best option.

The easiest and most effective way to get rid of a house mouse infestation in New York is to work with the experts at BHB Pest Eliminators. We have over 50 years helping residents with rodent infestations, and we are committed to customer service. Find out more about mouse control options, or get a free estimate, by calling us today at (201) 584-6931.