Are you currently looking for a new home? Whether you’re in the process of exploring house tours or are about to start, remember that you need to inspect the home for certain things. Of the things to check for, mark down “signs of a mouse infestation” on your list.

The last thing you want to do is agree to a house and then have to research how to get rid of mice on move-in day.

Keep an Eye on the Corners

As you begin walking through the house, pay attention to the corners of each room. These are the areas of the house where you’re most likely to find mice droppings.

But why the corners?

Mice feel safe in corners because nothing can come up from behind to get them — and this pest is known to urinate and defecate in areas where they feel safest.

Watch Out for Cracks, Gaps, and Holes

Most people will be looking for damage as they explore their possible new home. And rightfully so, you should be looking for damage! But in addition to the big damage (like brown water stains, broken stairs, etc.), watch out for small holes and cracks — even the ones that are just a quarter-inch in size.

Mice aren’t going to have “Tom and Jerry-esque” mouse holes made throughout your home. They’re going to be squishing their bodies through small cracks and holes in order to move throughout the house.

If you haven’t already, take a peek inside of kitchen cabinets, under the sink near plumbing line entrances, around baseboards, etc.

Look Behind Large Appliances

Mice are always on the lookout for food, water, warmth, and shelter. Both your refrigerator and stove will give them all of these things. That’s why behind large appliance are common places where mice will build their nests.

Food crumbs and spills are likely to fall on the floor beside both the refrigerator and stove. The exhaust of the refrigerator and use of the stove/oven can both provide warmth. While the sheer size of these appliances will provide adequate shelter.

If you’re afraid to check under these appliances yourself with a flashlight, ask the realtor or maintenance staff to do this for you.

Want to make sure your new home is mouse-free? Pest Control Unlimited can help you with that. Check out our one-time services to take care of the mouse infestation you may have missed. Contact us today or call us at (888) 649-9919 for a quote.