Posts Tagged ‘mice’

What Does A Los Angeles Mice Exterminator Do?

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

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When mice find a way into your home, they quickly tell their friends and soon you’ll not only have an entire family of mice in your home, but several families! Take into consideration that every female from this family will reproduce 3 – 14 babies anywhere from 5 – 10 times a year, and this turns out to be a lot of mice! And when you’re dealing with that many mice, it’s time to call in a Los Angeles mice exterminator. So, what exactly does mice extermination involve?

The first thing a Los Angeles mice exterminator is going to do when they arrive at your home is to find where the point of entry and exit for the mice. None of the following mice extermination steps will work if this is not done first, because otherwise mice will just continue to come into the property while the mice extermination is taking place, making it completely futile. Finding these areas doesn’t take very long as Los Angeles mice exterminators are extremely familiar with mice and their habits and so, are often know right away the points in the home where the mice are gaining access.

Once the entry points have been plugged and sealed, the Los Angeles mice exterminator will then take care to get rid of the mice that are still inside the home. This can involve a number of things, such as laying out traps, laying out sticky pads, or even a full fumigation, if the infestation is overwhelmingly large. Once the traps are laid, the exterminator will then leave, giving you a few instructions on how to handle the traps and how to prevent more mice from coming into the home.

But that doesn’t mean that the exterminator’s job is done! There will still be follow-up visits to ensure that your home is still mice-free and to make further inspections. On these visits, the exterminator will also probably empty traps and reset new ones to catch any lingering mice.

There’s not a lot involved in professional mice extermination; and when you consider all you’d have to do in order to get rid of the problem of yourself, it’s almost nothing at all. Hiring a Los Angeles mice exterminator will get rid of the problem for you quickly, efficiently, and effectively. But, most importantly of all, it will mean that you don’t have to deal with that icky problem yourself!

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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How Much Does Mice Extermination Cost?

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

If you’re dealing with a mice problem, the first thing you might be thinking about doing is rushing out and buying all kinds of traps and poisons to take care of the problem yourself. But instead of dealing with laying out the traps and discarding the traps that catch mice, you might want to consider mice extermination. The cost of mice extermination is pretty minimal, and considering that you’ll have to buy traps and poison anyway, it might not be that much more than getting rid of the mice yourself.

Mice extermination generally can cost anywhere from $30 to $200. This will of course depend on several factors such as the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and how large the mice infestation is. This cost should cover everything from getting rid of the mice to blocking off entryways and taking preventative measures to make sure that the mice don’t return. You should also be able to get a guarantee that the mice extermination efforts will be effective, and that you won’t have to call the exterminator back to get rid of mice in just a few weeks time.

Dealing with mice is a problem that every homeowner hopes they never have to face. But even if mice do find a way into your home that still doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to deal with them. Hiring an exterminator can get rid of the problem for you in a way that’s not only cheap, but much more convenient too.

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Electric Rodent Repellers: Do They Prevent Mice?

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Mice are household pests that are not going away anytime soon. And as more homeowners struggle to get rid of mice in their homes, more manufacturers come up with new and innovative products that will help you do it. One way to get rid of mice that is becoming extremely popular is the use of rodent repellers. But how do they work, and will they actually get rid of mice in your home?

Electric rodent repellers work by sending out high-frequency sound waves that mice can’t stand. Place one in a room and turn it on and any mice in the room or walls will be driven out. The sound is random and adjusts itself, so mice won’t become used to it. The sound waves unfortunately, don’t travel between walls, ceilings, or other structures. This means that homes that are greatly overrun by mice will need to have many different rodent repellers in the home.

Electric rodent repellers do appear to be effective at getting rid of mice in the home, and the sound waves won’t hurt or bother the people in the home at all. However, it does depend on the manufacturer that you buy from whether or not they will work so a little bit of research will go a long way in this area. Also, electric rodent repellers will most likely not work alone when there is currently an infestation in the home. However, using rodent repellers during an infestation will confuse the mice and will make it easier to trap them. Electric rodent repellers are also a great preventative measure you can take to keep mice out of your home.

One of the best features of electric rodent repellers is that they are a safe and humane method for getting rid of mice, which is another benefit that homeowners like about this method.

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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What Are The Different Types Of Mice?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

If your house has become infested with mice, it’s probably the common house mouse you’ve seen or heard skittering about. But, the house mouse isn’t the only type of mouse there is. There are actually thousands of different types of mice but when it comes to the most common ones, there are three. These are the house mouse, the field mouse, and the deer mouse.

The house mouse has an average length of three inches, with a tail that is also three inches long. House mice also usually weigh less than an ounce and are usually light brown, black, grey, or white. They have a small belly and are covered in hair although their ears and tail are usually hairless. Their back feet are shorter when compared to other types of mice, and they have both a fairly long stride, and they can jump fairly high. House mice also have a very high-pitched squeak, and it’s this noise that is often one of the first signs to homeowners that mice are living in their home. House mice can also live under a variety of conditions, whether inside or out, and will eat and contaminate just about anything they come into contact with.

The field mouse is a type of mouse that is quite interesting mostly because it’s known by many different names throughout the world, even though within each name is several hundred different species of mice. In North America, field mice are most commonly referred to as voles, which aren’t really mice at all, but a small mouse-like rodent. Voles however, have many of the same characteristics of the common house mouse, although they look a little bit different. Voles have a bulkier body than house mice, and they also have a tail which does have quite a bit of hair on it. They have small ears like a house mouse but also have small ears, instead of larger ones. They are also anywhere from 3 – 7 inches in length and prefer to live in wooded or open natural areas.

The deer mouse is another type of mouse that lives in fields. This mouse gets its name from its fur, which greatly resembles the fur of a deer. They measure anywhere from 5 to 8 inches in length and are usually light or dark brown. Unlike the house mouse, which prefers to feast on cereal grains, deer mice like to eat seeds, fruit, berries, beetles, caterpillars, and fungus. When possible, a deer mouse will hunt down an insect when hungry.

Throughout the world, there are thousands of different types of mice. However, in North America, these are the most common three. When comparing mice, different types are usually compared with the house mouse, because this is by far the most common of the three.

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The Common Characteristics Of The House Mouse

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

If you have mice living in your house, you probably feel as though you know more about them than you ever wanted to. But, mice infestations can quickly spin out of control so you will need to get rid of them. And to get rid of them, you will need to know a little bit about them, and understand certain things about the way they live. Once you know a few characteristics of the house mouse, you’ve armed yourself with information about the enemy. And it will be that much easier to make them move out!

There are many different species of house mice, but they all have fairly common characteristics. They all are fairly small, weighing less than an ounce and measuring about 5 to 7 inches in length, including their tail which is 3 to 4 inches. They also have ears that are quite large and small, black eyes. Mice make nests out of finely shredded paper, straw, or other material and use these nests to birth their litters, sleep, or eat when they bring back food.

House mice are thought to prefer cereal grains for their food, but it’s quite commonly known that they’ll eat just about anything. They are known as “nibblers” because they will often go from one food source to another, not entirely eating one thing before moving onto the next. They have a keen sense of taste as well as being sharp in all their other senses including touch, hearing, and smell. They do not however, have very good sense of sight.

Mice are very small, and they are incredibly agile and flexible because they have very soft bones. They can squeeze into spaces that are less than the width of the dime in diameter and can run along very tight and narrow spaces, such as cable wires. Mice are also excellent jumpers and can jump as high as twelve inches off the floor.

Once you have mice in your house, they are extremely hard to get rid of. One reason for this is because they are so small and therefore, can find their way into homes very easily. Another reason is because mice breed extremely rapidly. It’s common for a female mouse to have 5 – 10 litters a year, with each bringing about 5 to 6 other mice. Once mice mate, their litters are born 19 to 21 days after, and those mice are able to reproduce their own litters 6 to 10 weeks after that. This makes for a lot of mice being born in a short period of time! And, mice have a general lifespan of about 9 to 12 months, so they’re usually there for a little while once they’re born.

House mice are not thought to carry the hantavirus, like other types of mice are. However, their feces is known to be carcinogenic and carry other toxins that can be very dangerous to a human’s health. This fact alone, never mind the fact that house mice are annoying creatures that can cause damage to your home, is reason enough to make sure you get rid of mice as soon as you can. And, knowing what some of the characteristics of the house mouse are is a great way to start understanding them, which will help you in your battle.

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What are the Different Characteristics of Rats and Mice?

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Many people think that rats and mice are members of the same family and some may think that they are even the same species, because they look so similar to each other. In fact, rats and mice are members of the same family, but they are definitely not the same species; rats and mice have both very visible noticeable differences, and different characteristics that you can’t see just by looking at them. It can be difficult to compare rats and mice because there are so many different species of each. However when the two are compared, it’s usually the house mouse (Mus Musculus) with the Norway rat, or the black rat.

There are many visual characteristics of rats and mice that are very different. Rats are much larger and grow to be an average of 6 – 9 inches in length and usually weigh anywhere from 12 – 22 ounces. Mice are much smaller, and usually only grow to be 3 – 4 inches in length, and weigh only a couple of ounces at their maturity. You can also spot the difference between rats and mice by looking at their tails. Rats have very large tails that are thick and heavy, and usually about 8 inches in length on their own. Mice on the other hand, have very tiny and delicate tails that are usually about 2 – 3 inches in length.

The head and facial characteristics of mice and rats are also quite different. Rats tend to have blunter facial features that seem to be a bit squished. Rats also have shorter, pointy ears that are very small when compared with the size of their head. Mice however, have pointier faces than rats, with their features sticking out from their face quite a bit more than those of rats do. Mice also have larger ears than rats, and they are not as pointed.

The number of chromosomes each has may account for some of their differences. Rats have 22 chromosomes while mice only have 20. Rats can also be more intelligent than mice and can be much more sociable creatures. However, rats and mice themselves do not get along and if kept together, the rats might kill the mice. Many people who have both a rat infestation and a mouse problem might be pleased to find that the rats have taken care of their mice problem.

Even though there are many differences between rats and mice, they have some similarities as well. The biggest similarity between the two is in their life span. Rats and mice in the wild usually don’t live any longer than a year. When held in captivity as pets, neither has a much longer lifespan, living only about three or four years.

Accuracy Plus can help you with your rat or mice problems, contact us or give us a call at 888-675-0258 for a free pest inspection.

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What Kinds of Damage Is Done By Rats and Mice?

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Rats and Mice are cute when they are in the pet store, but if you’re sitting on your couch watching television the last thing in the world you want to see out of the corner of your eye is a rodent crawling across the floor.  Even worse, rats and mice can stay hidden in your walls or other nooks and crannies of your house until they cause noticeable damage.

Rodents can cause destruction to your home by chewing walls, floorboards, and even furniture and carpeting.  They are prolific gnawers and might even chew through wires, causing electrical problems or even creating a fire hazard in your home. 

Rodents are notoriously filthy.  They can soil flooring with their urine and droppings which they use to mark their trails.  They may also build nests inside your walls for breeding and can carry diseases as they crawl around your floors, counters, and cupboards seeking food sources.   Because of this, if you have pets or children crawling around on the floor, you’ll want to pay special care to rodent prevention.

Rats and mice both reproduce at exponential rates.  That means that as long as they have access to food and water, they can easily overwhelm your property in a very short time.  Keeping your eyes open for the earliest signs of a rodent infestation will help you nip the problem in the bud and save you time and money in the long run. 

A professional pest control service can help you determine where rodents may be hiding out on your property and assist you in designing a custom pest control program that will not only rid of these pests, but help prevent them from returning in the future.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

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Rats & Mice: Cute and Cuddly? Or Dirty and Dangerous?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Despite all the cartoons and kids’ shows featuring cute and cuddly mice and rats, these critters are actually one of the least welcome pests in any home.  Because they tend to live in unsanitary places, they can carry diseases into your house or place of business putting your health at risk.

Rats can live and breed anywhere in your home including inside drains; inside your flooring, walls and attic; in your garage; or even under furniture or in closets that don’t get used frequently. They thrive in areas where they have easy access to food and water, so keeping your home clean and any possible food sources sealed up is key to controlling and preventing an infestation. 

If you suspect you may have rats or mice on your property, look for these signs:

  • Droppings
    Rats and mice both leave droppings everywhere they go.  These appear to be small dark pellets that usually range between 1/8-1/4 inch. 
  • Gnawing or Rub Marks
    Rats and mice are constantly gnawing on things to keep their teeth sharp.  You may notice areas in your drywall or furniture that look like they’ve been chewed on.  Rats leave rub marks—greasy dark trails—along the passages that they travel regularly.
  • Tracks
    Tracks can appear in the dirt outside or in the dust in your garage.  You’ll be able to see clearly the little feet and/or tails outlined along floors and walls.
  • Odors
    Rats use urine to mark their passageways and they also have their own distinct odors which most pest control experts are experienced enough to determine.
  • Sounds
    You may hear the sounds of scratching, chewing, or running through your walls, ceiling or doorways. 

During cold months, rats and mice may infest a home that doesn’t usually have pest issues.  They are seeking shelter, warmth and nourishment.  Before the cold weather hits, you may want to have a pest control expert come out to your property and look for problem areas to help you prevent any uninvited guests. 

Once you find rodents on your property, there are other ways to rid yourself of them including state of the art baits and traps.  However, it is best to consult with a professional before employing any of these methods to ensure the safety of any children or pets in your family.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

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Cooler Months Bring New Pests Indoors

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Just because the weather has grown cold does not mean you are finished worrying about pests invading your home. Mosquitoes and ants may be gone, but cold weather can actually bring many more pests indoors looking for shelter from the dropping temperatures and bad weather.  It is important to keep up your pest control service even after the cold weather has begun to set in.  Once these critters know there is nothing to stop them, they’ll be looking for any opportunity to make themselves comfortable in your house.

Two of the most common fall/winter pests include spiders and mice.  While spiders are generally friendly, both the black widow and brown recluse spiders have been known to hide out in houses when it gets too cold outside. These are both highly poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death to small pets or young children.   Mice present their own health hazard to your family, and they can contaminate your food preparation areas with droppings, hair and bacteria.

In addition to keeping your service up regularly, you’ll want to make sure that your outdoor spaces and your garage are free of clutter.  If there are any openings in your garage door be sure to seal them up or you might as well put out a welcome mat for the mice.  In the back yard, be sure to put away summer yard tools, toys, and containers where spiders or centipedes might take refuge.

In the southern states, the weather may cool off during the fall and winter but rarely is it so cold that it drives most of the pests into hibernation or kills them off.  That means you have to guard against pests like ants year-round.  Regardless of where you live, however, you can speak to your pest control service provider about the changes you need to make in order to address pests that are unique to your area.  They may be able to suggest alternatives for keeping your house safe from pests and keep you informed of what to look for as the seasons change.

For a free inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

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