How Big A Problem Are Field Mice On My Denver Property?

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When you find yourself exploring the Mile High City, you are never too far from Denver’s parks and gardens. Right in the middle of the city is a 24-acre oasis called Denver Botanical Gardens, and along the riverfront lies Confluence Park. Washington Park is a popular year-round park that offers boat rentals, jogging, walking paths, flower gardens, and playgrounds. There's a lot to enjoy in Denver but people aren't the only residents to enjoy it. Also enjoying our great outdoors is the field mouse. However, when necessity demands it, mice can head towards the warmth and comfort of your dwelling.

What Everybody Ought To Know About Field Mice

The field mouse, otherwise known as a deer mouse, is typically found in rural, outdoor areas. They are nocturnal (feeding at dusk and dawn) rodents who prefer to forage after insects, seeds, nuts, berries, and small fruits. They rarely invade residential homes.

However, once cold weather hits, and food and water become scarce, field mice can become a problem in farming areas, vacation homes, outbuildings, sheds, garages, and attics. With various rodents scurrying around the Denver area, it is helpful to be able to identify which critter is making itself comfy in your structure.

Some identifying features of a field mouse include:

  • A grey to reddish-brown color (depending on how old it is) with a white underbelly and white-sided tail
  • Big eyes and ears
  • A round body that can grow to 5-8 inches long when including the tail

Regardless of the type of mouse, you find in your Denver home, it will be important to make sure it doesn't make itself at home.

Little-Known Dangers Field Mice Pose To Denver Residents

When field mice find a comfy space inside your residence, they can cause extensive property damage and pose serious health issues for the occupants living inside.

Some property and health issues caused by field mice are as follows:

  • Field mice can ruin clothing, woodwork, insulation, and wiring.
  • They leave behind urine trails and musky odors.
  • Mice can attract other pests to your property including ticks, mites, fleas, and other parasites.
  • Their feces can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and be a trigger for allergic reactions.
  • Dry fecal matter can also be hazardous to those who breathe it in and these dropping can spread diseases and viruses.

There are many dangers associated with field mice in Denver homes.

One particular disease carried by the field mouse is the hantavirus. It is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects humans when they breathe in rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The chances of acquiring this disease increases when people are near spaces where rodents are actively living. Early symptoms of this disease are headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems.

The Secret of Field Mouse Prevention

Field mice are lured into most properties by the offer of shelter, food, and water. Even small openings or cracks allow them to gain easy access to your property, and since mice are excellent climbers, the upper levels of your property are just as at risk of entry.

Five of the best field mouse prevention suggestions are as follows:

  1. Eliminate inviting food sources both inside and out by sealing food in airtight containers.
  2. Fix any leaky faucets.
  3. Ensure your property has proper drainage at the foundation.
  4. Install gutters or diverts that will channel water away from your structure.
  5. Seal any exterior hole, crack, or void that is larger than the size of a pencil.

Limiting access to food, water, and shelter should minimize how attractive your home appears to a passing field mouse.

The Secret To Field Mouse Control In The Denver Area

White Knight Pest Control has been delivering pest control services to the residents of Colorado since 2006. Our customized pest treatments combined with excellent service will provide comprehensive solutions for all your pest problems. Call White Knight Pest Control today with your questions, and allow our knights in shining armor to ride to your rescue.