Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its year-round sunshine. With its gorgeous weather, the population is exploding. By expanding its bike-sharing program, Phoenix is making it easier to explore its beautiful city. One rodent who is not invited to explore the city is the field mouse. The field mouse might be cute, but this is one rodent Phoenix residents not want exploring their properties.
What Are Field Mice And Where Do They Live?
The long-tailed field mouse (otherwise known as the wood mouse) is one of the most common rodents. The field mouse has a golden-brown color with a pale underbelly; it is browner in color than the house mouse. While it is similar to a house mouse, it has larger ears and eyes relative to its size. Its tail is about as long as its head and body are put together. Females have about 6 litters yearly with 4-8 babies. The field mouse prefers to stay outdoors and is usually found in woodland, grassland, farmland, and gardens. They love to gather berries and seeds in the autumn, which they keep in underground burrows or sometimes in old birds’ nests. They also eat snails, insects, fruit, nuts, and fungi.
The field mouse is nocturnal and usually forages in the evening. When it is forced to find a new property because of cold temperatures and lack of food or water, it may find yours quite comfy and cozy. There are multiple areas field mice can find to occupy your property.
They can enter a property through the following:
- Gaps around pipes
- Wire conduits
- Water-damaged wood
- Cracks in foundation walls and vents.
- Attics (it is an expert climber and likes the insulation)
- Basements
- Garages
What Dangers Do Phoenix Field Mice Pose?
Because rodent pheromones tell others where good living conditions are and where food can be found, if you see one mouse, there are most certainly more. Field mice can cause significant damage to your property.
Once the field mouse has established a nest inside your property, you may experience some of the following problems:
- Urine smell
- Musky odors
- Ruined clothing, papers, woodwork, insulation, and plumbing from gnawing
- Secondary pest infestations due to food stored by field mice
- Health problems/diseases carried through the feces, urine, saliva, and nesting materials
Two Ways To Prevent Field Mice In Phoenix
The property owner is not without recourse when combating field mice. Property owners can institute some methods on their own to deter them from entering their dwelling.
Preventative measures come in two forms: removing shelter and removing food and water.
To remove shelter areas, consider the following:
- Eliminate lumber piles
- Eliminate accumulations of trash and other stored materials
- Dispose of waste immediately (such as empty boxes and cartons)
- Materials meant for storage should be kept at least 18” off the ground/floor
- To eliminate sources of food and water, property owners should:
- Store food in rodent-proof containers such as glass or metal
- Dispose of waste and garbage in tightly covered metal cans.
- Mend leaky faucets (no access to water)
How Do I Protect My Phoenix Property?
Green Flash Pest Control is a locally owned, family-based company with over 25 years of combined industry experience. You have our word that we do not cut corners! Green Flash Pest Control is committed to listen and address your pest control needs with options that are designed to fit your pocketbook. Reach out to us today to learn more about our rodent control options!