Mice find way into Rumson home - Mice removal and control in Rumson, NJ

Challenge

I was dispatched to a Rumson residence to resolve an ongoing mouse infestation in the home’s basement. For us at Cowleys, mice are one of the most common rodent infestations. Because of their skeletal structure, house mice easily squeeze through the tiniest of holes and gaps. If a #2 pencil can fit through a hole or crack, so can a mouse. Since mice don’t have collarbones, their only limitation for squeezing through holes and gaps is their skull. They prefer to nest in dark secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance,  and in areas where nest bedding material like insulation is readily available.

Solution

I first conducted an inspection to look for potential entry points and signs of a mice infestation to determine the scope and size of the problem. The tell-tale signs of mice droppings were readily visible. I set up a baiting system, placing rodent bait traps in strategic locations where there was strong evidence of mice activity. Upon return a short while later, the bait was being gobbled, indicating a heavy infestation. I re-baited the traps and added a few more for good measure. 

With mice and other nuisance wildlife infestations, it is critical to find the entry points and seal them; otherwise, the problem will never be permanently resolved. So, I turned my attention to the exterior to determine how these little rodents were gaining access to the basement. Upon a perimeter inspection, I saw that the air conditioning lines outside the home led to the same area where there was heavy infestation activity indoors. I set up exterior stations to confirm rodent activity, and, sure enough, the bait from these stations were soon gone.

With rodent and insects, droppings can often help identify the pest and, almost like a trail of breadcrumbs, provide a road map of their activity. For example, the droppings of a house mouse are about one-quarter of an inch with one or both ends pointed. Cockroach droppings are smaller with a distinct edge along the ridges. Rat droppings are about three-quarters of an inch, rectangular, larger with blunt ends. Squirrel droppings are similar, but have a twist at the midpoint. For wildlife technicians, fecal deposits provide a goldmine of information!

Finally, I plugged the gaps around the lines with copper wire, which will prevent any more mice from entering the basement. The rest of the perimeter showed no other accessible entry ways. With the indoor baiting in place to kill any remaining mice, and the only access points sealed, the homeowner should not have any further mice issues. The homeowner was grateful that the infestation was quickly resolved.