Do you know what mouse droppings look like? Being able to identify them is an important part of spotting a mouse infestation.
Keep in mind that DIY methods can help keep mice away, but they won’t control an existing infestation. For that, it’s best to work with a pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to control these pests.
What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?
Did you know that one of the signs of a mouse infestation is spotting their droppings around your home? Mice are nocturnal creatures and are skilled at steering clear of danger, so it’s more common to see the signs they leave behind than the actual rodents.
That being said, it’s helpful for homeowners to understand what mouse droppings look like, where you might find them and what they can tell you about a potential mouse infestation.
The easiest way to describe a mouse dropping is that it’s black and about the size and shape of a grain of rice. They are small, dark pellets that typically measure between one-eighth and one-fourth of an inch long. Like rice, they are flat with pointed ends. The pellets are soft and dark-colored when they’re fresh, but as they age, they become lighter and more brittle.
Where Are Mouse Droppings Found?
Next, it’s important to learn about the most common places you likely will find mouse droppings in your home. Mice leave their droppings along their route from their nest to their food source. They venture along this path several times throughout the night to bring food back to their nests.
For example, if you have a mouse nest in your kitchen cabinets and their primary food source is your pantry, you’ll find their droppings around and between these two locations.
The most common places in your home to find mouse droppings are inside kitchen cabinets and drawers, behind appliances, along your baseboards, around your furniture, in your pantry and near the mouse nest itself.
Mouse droppings are a clear indication that you have mice in your home, so it’s important to act quickly if you see droppings. Do not wait to see an actual mouse before you contact a pest control professional.
The amount of mouse droppings you find can often tell you a lot about the extent of your infestation. A few droppings mean you’re likely dealing with a small infestation, or they are only active in one area of your home. However, more than one mouse in your home is considered an infestation.
The more droppings you see, the more mice are nearby. If you find mouse droppings in multiple locations in your home, it likely means that you’re dealing with an established nest that has multiple pathways throughout your house.
It’s important to remember that mice reproduce rapidly, so even if you only see a few droppings, you should take action quickly. A pest control pro can help you control these pests.
What Droppings Are Mistaken For Mouse Droppings?
Different types of pest droppings look similar and often get mistaken for mouse droppings, so it’s helpful for homeowners to learn how to tell them apart. This can help them identify the pest they’re dealing with in their homes.
Mouse Droppings Versus Cockroach Droppings
Mouse droppings are often confused with cockroach droppings. Like mouse droppings, cockroach droppings are small and dark-colored, and they’re around the same size as mouse droppings.
However, cockroach droppings do not have pointed tips, and they resemble ground pepper or coffee grounds. Mouse droppings, on the other hand, are the shape of a grain of rice.
Another difference is their texture. When you look at a cockroach dropping up close, you’ll also notice that they are ridged with horizontal lines, which mouse droppings do not have.
Mouse Droppings Versus Rat Droppings
Rat droppings have a similar shape to mouse droppings, but they’re much bigger. They measure between one-half and one-third of an inch long. Some rat droppings also have blunt ends rather than pointed ones. Instead of resembling a grain of rice, they resemble a capsule.
However, it can be tricky to tell mouse and rat droppings apart because you’ll find them in similar locations around your home. If you aren’t sure which is which, the best thing to do is contact a pest control service.
Mouse Droppings Versus Squirrel Droppings
You can find mouse droppings in a variety of locations around your house, but the main place you’ll spot squirrel droppings is in your attic. Their droppings are larger than mouse droppings, measuring around three-eighths of an inch long.
Squirrel droppings are also a lighter color compared to mouse droppings. You’re more likely to find brown or reddish-brown squirrel droppings compared to dark brown or black mouse droppings. When it comes to shape, squirrel droppings have rounded edges and a smooth surface.
Mouse Droppings Versus Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, also known as frass, are much smaller than mouse droppings. These droppings, pictured above, resemble a single grain of salt rather than a grain of rice. Frass is also typically tan, light brown or beige rather than dark brown or black.
You’ll often find frass near wooden structures, such as along your baseboards or window frames.
The more you can tell different types of pests apart, such as a vole versus a mouse, the more you can do to rid your home of unwanted visitors. However, it’s best to leave controlling these pests to the experts.
Why Do I See Mouse Droppings But No Mice?
Mice will generally avoid contact with people. They’re stealthy creatures who move under the cover of night rather than in the daylight. While they enjoy living indoors for the easy access to food, water and shelter, they do not like being around humans.
For that reason, it’s common to see mouse droppings but no mice. Finding mouse droppings in your home is one of the earliest signs of a mouse infestation, and it should not be taken lightly. You do not need to wait until you see an actual mouse to contact a pest control service about a mouse problem. It’s better to act after the first sign of their presence.
If you do see mouse droppings around your home, clean them up quickly. Do not sweep up or vacuum mouse droppings. Instead, spray them with a disinfectant and let it sit for five minutes. Then, use paper towels to pick them up and throw them away. Wash your hands thoroughly when you’re done.
Rodent Proofing Your Home and Property
While working with a pest control service is the best way to control mice, there are some things you can do to help rodent-proof your home and property.
Start by sealing up all potential entry points into your home, such as holes or cracks around your doors, windows or foundation. Next, remove their food sources, such as crumbs on your countertops or exposed food in your pantry.
Mice cannot go long without food, so this step goes a long way in preventing an infestation. Keeping a tight lid on all of your trash bins, both indoors and out, can also limit the food options available to them.
Leftover pet food can be an easy, reliable food source for mice, so be sure to put bowls away when your pets are finished eating.
To deter rodents, keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained. Mice like to hide in overgrown shrubs and tall grass, so keeping your yard neat and trimmed can reduce their opportunities.
Mice can also use overhanging tree branches to reach your roof and slip inside through small openings.
While these measures can help keep mice away, they will not get rid of an existing infestation. For that, it’s important to work with a pest control expert.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Mouse Infestation
Finding mouse droppings around your home is an early sign of a mouse infestation, so it’s essential to take it seriously. If you see droppings, call in a pest control company to inspect your home and locate the mouse nest.
Mice are nocturnal creatures that are most active at night, so it’s common to see their droppings before you see an actual mouse. However, a small infestation can quickly grow into a large one, so you should not wait to act. If you suspect that there are mice in your home, call in a pest control company.
ABC Can Help With Rodent Problems
It can feel frustrating when rats or mice infest your property. Instead of spending your time trying to get rid of rodents on your own, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our experts will be able to control the rodents on your property. We will create a custom rodent treatment plan, so you don’t have to worry about these creatures.
