Mice are pests that can cause significant damage when they invade a home. This may include furniture, wires, or food. Therefore it is necessary to get rid of them as soon as possible. Before this can be done, however their activity must be traced, such as their runways and feeding areas. This is best done at night with a flashlight to assist with looking into nooks and crannies. There are a few signs of rodent activity you can look for to confirm that they are present and make remedies for mice control Toronto.

Fecal pellets

These can tell you a lot about the nature of the problem, including the type of rodent, the size of the population, and whether it is current. Rats will leave larger droppings, about ½ to ¾ inches in length, and pointed ends in the case of roof rats and rounded ends in the case of Norway rats. Mice will leave smaller droppings, on average ¼ inches in length, with pointed ends. The color and texture of the droppings can also give you information on the rodent population. Newer droppings will be softer in texture and darker in color than droppings older than three days. The number of droppings is also an important factor. The more droppings found, the greater the rodent population. 

Tracks

Rodents will leave footprints and tail drags in dusty areas. Any area you suspect is being used as a pathway by the rodents should be lightly dusted with baby powder or flour so that the prints can become apparent. Soil that is wet or moist will also show prints. Mice will leave much smaller footprints, about 3/8 inches or less, in length, as compared to rats, which leave prints of ¾ to 1 inch long. 

Gnaw marks

Gnaw marks are another indication that a rodent infestation is present. They will have different properties, depending on the type of rodent. Rats will make holes that are larger and rougher around the edges. They are often larger than 2 inches in diameter. Mice holes, on the other hand, will be smaller and more clean-cut. They will be about 1 and a 1/2 inches in diameter. Rats will chew on wooden structural, objects, like door corners, joists of floors and ceilings, and wall studs. 

Burrows

Burrows can also differentiate rodents from each other. Rats will most often burrow along foundations or shrubbery. Their burrows will be smooth and compacted. Mice will burrow beneath slabs inside the building. If you want to check if a burrow is in use, stuff a crumpled paper down it. It will gone by the next day if the burrow is in use. 

Grease marks

Rodents have oily hair that will leave grease marks where they often run, meaning grease marks should be looked for at suspected runways. 

Pets

If you have pets, they may become excited by any present rodents. They may start pawing. However, the longer the rodents stay, the less excitable the pet will become. 

Pest control service will require the removal of any food sources as well as baits or traps. Mice are able to feed on both human food, so making both of these unavailable is critical. Any food should be placed in well-sealed, tight-fitting containers. The kitchen surfaces should be kept clean of any food particles and should be regularly disinfected. Any runways and resting areas of mice should also be disinfected with bleach so that mice control is effective. A mask and gloves should be worn during this process, as the Hantavirus can transfer from mice feces to humans through inhalation. Any possible entry points to the house should also be sealed off. After all this is done, mouse traps or baits should be placed in all areas of rodent activity for the best results of mice control.