Fresh sheets, a cozy comforter and a soft eye mask to block out any light should be a formula for actually achieving those recommended hours of sleep. However, once scratching, rustling or squeaking reaches your ears, that restful repose may be disturbingly disrupted. Even if you put the earplugs in or turn up a sound machine, you’ll know when morning comes that there is a problem to be addressed. Is it a mouse that’s creeping around in my walls or my attic? Are mice nocturnal? These questions and many others may begin to flood in almost as soon as you open your eyes. To help you with your pest control needs, learn more about the nocturnal behaviors of mice, signs of their presence and why you need to act now to deal with a potential infestation.
Are mice nocturnal?
In short, yes, mice are nocturnal, although their environment can sometimes change their behavior, especially when a threat is present or a survival need like food has to be met. Generally, the nighttime lifestyle of mice best suits their safety concerns and their sensory capabilities. While a mouse’s ears, nose and appendages effectively help them navigate the world around them, its eyes can be sensitive to bright light and its eyesight is blurry at best, as further explored by Nature. By moving around and hunting for food in the dark, mice are typically less likely to encounter predators during this time, whether that potential danger is humans in the house or birds and other hunters outside. However, if there is a resident cat or one in the neighborhood, even the nocturnal hours and sensory skills of mice may not be enough to protect them. Conversely, that same cat won’t be enough to thwart the damage that can be done by many mice, especially once they infest a home.
What are some signs of nocturnal mouse activity?
While mice are nocturnal, there are other signs that you may spot during the day, which may indicate a mouse problem. In addition to catching a glimpse of a mouse on the run or finding a mouse in a trap, you might stumble upon fresh dark brown or black droppings or damaged food bags or boxes in areas with food or water, like in your cabinets or underneath the kitchen sink. The body oils, urine and gnaw marks of mice can also give away their presence.
Are mice’s nocturnal activities really a threat?
Especially if you are awoken in the middle of the night, it may be tempting to credit your imagination with thinking that you heard strange noises. However, neglecting a potential mouse infestation can lead to serious problems both for your house and for those inhabiting it. As discussed in greater depth by the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, mice breed frequently and can have as many as 10 litters a year. Whether you have a few mice or a growing family, here are three reasons to get rid of mice now:
- Contamination: Contamination from their excrement and other bodily fluids is a sizable threat from relatively small creatures. From replacing the compromised bag of nuts to the chair you inherited from your grandmother, mouse waste, saliva and oils may come with a monetary cost, as well as an emotional one. Additionally, contaminated food and surfaces may jeopardize the safety of people and pets in the home. In addition to the harmful diseases that mice can transmit such as hantavirus and salmonella, pets can get fleas and ticks from mice that enter the home.
- Physical Damage: In addition to your home, your shed, garage and car can be damaged by mice and other rodents. Mice can compromise walls and wood structures when they gnaw on them. In addition to seemingly eating wood, mice are also willing to indulge their need to chew with electrical wiring, insulation and even pipes and ducts. The results of this behavior range from electrical disruptions and fires to increased energy and repair costs.
- Stress: Whether related to interrupted sleep or having to find a pest control service near you, the nocturnal behaviors and daytime impacts of mice may cause significant stress. If a mouse problem is left unresolved, worry about these pests may begin to take an even greater toll on the mental, emotional and physical health of those in the household. Additionally, more severe infestations may become more expensive than prevention measures or more proactive responses to the problem.
When it comes to a potential mouse concern, the answer to questions like “are mice nocturnal?” is less important than determining the pest control solutions you need to protect the health and safety of your home. If you are searching for pest control services near you, Eliminate ‘Em provides both preventative care and removal solutions, so contact our team for a free estimate or to schedule an upcoming appointment!
