Mice Removal in Freehold, NJ Basement

Challenge

During my inspection of the basement area, I observed mouse droppings next to a rodent bait box (RTU) (see photo). For a pest control technician, mouse droppings are quite distinctive. They are 1/8"-1/4" long, black, and rod-shaped with pointed ends. Droppings are a health hazard because they can contain bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. When the pellets dry, harmful microscopic spores can be released into the air. Also, mice can transport ticks and their blood-borne diseases. Needless to say, mice are a health risk inside your home, especially if they enter kitchen areas and contaminate food and counter-tops while scavenging for food. At Cowleys, we understand how upsetting rodent infestations are to homeowners, and we treat them as top priority emergencies.

This Freehold residence had mice problems in the past, and bait boxes had already been set up on a a prior service call. After inspecting other parts of the home, there were absolutely no signs of mouse activity other than in the basement. Rodents are messy creatures and usually leave plenty of evidence that they were there. You’ll see signs like droppings, urine stains, gnaw marks and shavings, and run marks.

Solution

All the RTUs in the basement were inspected and re-baited as needed. I then inspected the home’s exterior to determine how the mice were accessing the basement. Finding potential access points for mice is a challenge. Since mice don’t have collarbones, their only limitation for squeezing through holes and gaps is their skull. As such, they can squeeze through the tiniest of holes and gaps. For a mouse, a hole the size of a dime would be plenty. I sealed every potential access point that I could find. Finally, it is always best to try to trap mice before they enter the structure.I set up a larger Low Profile (LP) rodent bait box (see picture) on the home’s exterior by the garage.  I’m confident that this outdoor bait box will go a long way in capturing mice before they enter the basement.