What are mice?

Mice are small mammals belonging to the order “Rodentia” (Rodent). There are 30 known species of mouse but the best known of these is the Common House Mouse well named for its partiality to utilize buildings for food and shelter. Like some species of rat, the Common House Mouse is considered to be a commensal rodent, i.e. it shares the table with humans. The adult Common House Mouse is about 1-2 inches long with large ears, a pointed nose, small eyes and a small, slim, light gray or brown body. Having bad eyesight, it makes up for what it lacks with an acute sense of hearing.

Why do I have them?

In a city environment like Manhattan mice may never venture outdoors but will spend their whole life sheltering, nesting, reproducing and feeding in buildings. Given the correct set of conditions – food, water and shelter – they are sexually mature only 2 months after birth and could reproduce up to 8 times per year. Although mice can live up to 2 ½ years in captivity, it is estimated that the average lifespan of a wild mouse is only 4 months, due to predation. Mice searching for food and shelter, enter buildings through cracks and small openings in and near foundations and through openings made for utilities, vents and water pipes. Cracks and openings do not have to be very large for a Common House Mouse to fit through – the skeletal system allows even the adult mouse to squeeze through a crack the thickness of a pencil or through a hole the size of a dime.

Are mice dangerous?

Mice are primarily known as carriers of disease and parasites such as ticks and fleas. Among the serious diseases carried by mice are:

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM - A viral infection that can cause fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting.
• Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can cause high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting.
• Salmonellosis – A bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
• Dysentery – A gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and cramps.

Although treatable, these are serious illnesses requiring medical treatment and along with these diseases it is well known that ticks and fleas are involved in the transmission of lyme disease and murine typhus.

How do I get rid of mice?

Mice are by their very nature, nocturnal, shy and skittish pests but their natural curiosity can be put to good use when attempting to rid a property of an infestation. It takes a skilled professional to identify possible nest locations, locate then eradicate a mouse problem quickly which is why one call to Assured Environments is your best move for a swift and safe resolution.

Can I do it myself?

Although it is possible to set out mouse traps and attempt the Do-It-Yourself treatment, a call to Assured Environments will enable our highly trained and experienced service professionals to assist you and get rid of your mouse problems in the quickest and safest way.

How soon can you get here?

Assured Environments are committed to helping you when you need us most. For that reason we will make every effort to visit you the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Any pest control product used by Assured Environments has first been checked and passed for pest control use by the EPA. Only then do we use it according to a set of strict guidelines to ensure your safety. Should any specific safety measures need to be taken, our highly trained pest control professionals will make you aware.

How can I prevent mouse problems in the future?

Preventing mice from invading your home and contaminating your environment can be a very difficult task. The risk of this happening can be kept to a minimum if all cracks and holes in and around basements, doors, and where utilities enter the building are filled and maintained.