6 Mice Myths Debunked

There are hundreds of species of mice found throughout the world and they are divided into subspecies. So of course, this means there are a few species of mice in North America looking to make a home for themselves in your home or business.

Myth 1. Peppermint Oil Prevents Mice Infestations

Fiction

A common myth about mouse repellant is the use of natural peppermint oil to prevent mice infestations. Homeowners are instructed to dip cotton balls in the oil and place around the home.

Peppermint can be an effective deterrent for mice, but it won’t eliminate infestations. Problems will continue in your home and a professional rodent removal and control service might be needed.

Myth 2. Mice Have Hollow Bones

Fiction

It’s true that mice can squeeze in pretty tight spaces, this has led many people to believe that mice have hollow bones.

They don’t.

Mice have a musculoskeletal system, much like humans. The difference for mice, however, is that they don’t have collarbones.

Without collarbones, mice can easily slip through cracks and crannies in homes and businesses.

So even the tiniest nook or crevice can be fair game for a mouse.

Myth 3. Do Cats Keep Mice Away?

Fiction

It’s true that cats are natural-born hunters and they will catch a few mice during their lives.

However, cats won’t fix your mouse problem.

Many homeowners believe that if a cat is in their house, mice will be deterred and decide to move out on their own.

If your house or any other structure has a mouse infestation, it will be nearly impossible for your cat to control the issue.

The occasional mouse or two is okay for your cat, but mice have been known to transmit diseases and parasites. This can be quite problematic for the health of your pets and your family.

Myth 4. Cheese is the Preferred Food for Mice

Fiction

We’ve been told time and time again that cheese is a weakness for mice. When in reality, mice enjoy a variety of foods.

So, what do mice eat?

Mice are foragers, so they will eat almost anything they can get their paws on — including cheese.

The little omnivore enjoys fruits, seeds, and foods that are higher in carbohydrates. However, during times of extreme stress and starvation, mice have been known to eat their young.

Mice are also known for gnawing on materials that are inedible — like electrical wires and cardboard boxes for example. But they aren’t eating these materials. Mice will gnaw on various materials in order to build a nest.

Myth 5. Mice Only Live in Unsanitary Environments

Fiction

Out of all the myths about mice, this is one of the easiest to believe.

But mice will live just about anywhere regardless of its cleanliness. So, if you think your well-kept home or business is safe, you might want to think again.

Mice will find their way into homes, businesses, and other structures through small openings or damaged areas in search of warmth and food.

No matter how clean your home or office is, mice will surely find something appealing once they make their way inside.

Myth 6. Mice Live Alone

Fiction

Ever since mice made their debut as cartoon characters, we’ve been led to believe that mice live alone. And they happen to have cozy mouse-sized recliners and TVs.

The tiny furniture is obviously a novelty idea, but what about the rest of the story? Do mice really live alone?

Mice tend to live in large groups and will breed frequently. So, if you spot a mouse in your house or business, there are probably more.

When it comes to mice, no matter the species, there is one simple truth to keep in mind: you don’t want them in your home or business.

If you’ve spotted a mouse in your house, our trained technicians can create a tailored solution to remove the critter. Our custom solutions will also protect your family and investment from a future mouse infestation.

To learn more about rodent solutions from Catseye Pest Control, contact us today.

6 Mice Myths Debunked first appeared on catseyepest.com

Mosquito-Transmitted EEE Virus Has Led to Federal Warnings

Health officials have confirmed 11 reports of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) related deaths so far in 2019.

As of September 2019, Connecticut confirmed three deaths caused by the mosquito-transmitted virus. Three people have died in Massachusetts, four more died in Michigan, and one person died in Rhode Island — all a result of the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of seven human cases of EEE are reported each year. Approximately 30 percent of all cases result in death.

With 11 confirmed deaths caused by EEE, the United States has seen an uptick in reported cases. CNN reported 27 confirmed cases in six states in 2019. The reported cases come from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, Connecticut, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as Triple E, sleeping sickness, or EEE, is an arbovirus — a disease spread by a mosquito or other arthropod.

A more common arbovirus spread by mosquitoes that comes to mind for many of is West Nile virus.

The EEE virus (EEEV) transmitted through a bite by an infected mosquito and can lead to an inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.

EEE can lead to ongoing neurological problems, and in some cases, death.

People under the age of 15 or over the age of 50 have the highest risk for developing a disease when infected with EEEV.

Those who live in wooded areas, work outside, or participate in outdoor activities also have a greater chance of potential exposure.

Symptoms of EEE

A person bitten by an infected mosquito can develop symptoms of EEE in approximately four to 10 days.

Symptoms of EEE include the sudden onset of headaches, fever, chills, and vomiting. It can then progress into disorientation, seizures, and then a coma.

Unfortunately for humans, there is no treatment for EEE. Anti-viral drugs and antibiotics have not proven to be effective against the virus. There is an EEE vaccine for horses, however.

In severe cases supportive therapy including hospitalization, respiratory support, IV fluids can be used to help make the person a little more comfortable.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites & EEE

It can be impossible to do completely but preventing mosquito bites is the best form of EEE prevention.

People engaging in outside activities are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use insect repellent.

Homeowners and business should also take precautions to eliminate a mosquito infestation on their property.

Standing water is an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Problem areas could be wetlands, pools, plastic toys, tarps, even plant saucers and water bowls.

Removing debris and/or clutter from the property can help prevent a mosquito infestation.

To further reduce the possibility of a mosquito infestation, Catseye Pest Control offers a one-of-a-kind organic program that helps eliminate mosquitoes and ticks.

Our Organic Tick and Mosquito Program includes an in-depth inspection of the property, customized treatment plan, and monthly visits to create an organic protective barrier around the property.

The products our technicians use is environmentally friendly, safe for your family and pets while providing you with the protective barrier your property needs.

To learn more about how Catseye can protect you from unwanted pests, contact our pest and wildlife professionals today.

Learn How Cockroaches Get in Homes & What to Do About a Cockroach Infestation

A common misconception is that a cockroach infestation will only occur in unkept or dirty houses.

Unfortunately for homeowners (and business owners), cockroach infestations can happen to homes and buildings that are spotless.

Yes, even spotless homes are susceptible and can leave homeowners asking themselves, “How did I get cockroaches?”

Roaches can carry diseases and can even trigger allergies or asthma attacks — in addition to simply giving many of us the heebie-jeebies.

And it’s not just one species of cockroach that people need to worry about, there are quite a few cockroaches found in Florida.

How Did Cockroaches Get in my House?

These pests are very resourceful.

Cockroaches, like the German and brown-banded cockroach, have been known to enter homes by catching a ride on grocery bags, luggage, furniture, and cardboard boxes.

It’s important to inspect these items before bringing them inside, especially packages that were shipped to the house.

Roaches can also use crawl spaces and low-clearance areas as points of entry to access homes.

Multi-family homes, like condos and duplexes, are susceptible to cockroaches using the plumbing between shared walls as a means of traveling.

American cockroaches (also known as the Palmetto bug), for example, will move along pipes to find their way through the building and to a source of food.

Drains can be another favorite entry point for cockroaches. Sewer systems and drainage pipes undergoing repair work could lead to American cockroaches becoming displaced and looking for a new home.

To prevent cockroaches from traveling between shared walls, holes, cracks, and crevices should be sealed. Window screens should be firmly in place and cracks around windows and doors should be sealed.

Where Are Cockroaches Commonly Found?

Since cockroaches are very resourceful, hiding in plain sight comes naturally to the pest.

Understanding an ideal environment and feeding habit for a cockroach will make it easier to identify areas where the pest prefers to hide.

Roaches tend to seek shelter in tight or smaller areas, such as cracks and crevices.

The German cockroach is one of the most common indoor cockroach, especially in warmer or humid climates — like Southwest Florida.

American cockroaches are another cockroach species that is commonly found in Florida even though they prefer cool, damp areas. This makes the basement an ideal area for a cockroach infestation.

Many cockroaches prefer to live near a water source, such as kitchen sinks and bathrooms. Others, like the brown-banded cockroach prefer warmer, drier areas. This roach species is typically found hiding in cabinets, closet shelves, and pantries. It is also possible to find brown-banded cockroaches near electronics and appliances — like televisions and behind the refrigerator.

Cockroaches can essentially flatten their bodies, making it easy for the pest to squeeze into seemingly impossible areas.

To help discourage cockroaches from infesting your home, we encourage homeowners to store food in air-tight containers, use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid, and to clean dirty dishes daily.

It is also recommended to get rid of corrugated boxes because these can be a favorite spot for some cockroaches.

Cockroach Infestation Signs

Roaches are a nocturnal pest that prefers to travel and feed in the dark.

So, spotting even a single cockroach during the daytime could be an indication of an infestation.

Other cockroach infestation signs include unpleasant odors, fecal droppings that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, and oval-shaped, brown-colored egg cases also known as oothecae.

How to Handle Cockroach Infestation When DIY Solutions Don’t Work

For many, the initial reaction is to purchase a bug bomb or pesticides online or from a hardware store to handle the infestation.

However, many DIY solutions for cockroaches don’t actually eliminate the infestation. Bug bombs, also known as total-release foggers, release a repellent that makes it seem as though the roaches are gone.

However, the infestation simply moves from one area of the home to another area that the fogger didn’t reach.

It is also virtually impossible for foggers to reach inside cabinets and the nooks we’ve learned cockroaches can squeeze themselves into.

To effectively eliminate a cockroach infestation, working with a pest management professional is the safest decision a homeowner can make.

The licensed technicians at Catseye Pest Control are able to identify the cockroach species and then create a customized solution to effectively eliminate the cockroach infestation.

If you feel your Florida home might have a cockroach infestation, you are urged to contact our pest management professionals.

Acting quickly helps to prevent a larger issue.

Damage & Diseases Caused by Bird Nests Need to be Handled Quickly & Effectively

The chirping of birds is an enjoyable sound — unless of course those birds are singing from inside the attic and chimney of your home or business.

Birds will nest in places that are protected from weather and high up from the ground so that their young are protected from predators.

In nature, nesting spots will vary depending on the species of bird. But spaces like attics and chimneys may also be suitable nesting places for birds.

These visitors and their nests can be an unwelcome sight for homeowners and business operators.

Effects of Untreated Bird Infestations

An uncontrolled bird infestation can lead to considerable damage to your home or business, as well as potential health risk caused by diseases spread by birds.

Diseases spread by birds include Histoplasmosis, Tuberculosis, Cryptococcus, Encephalitis, Toxoplasmosis, Chlamydiosis, Coccidiosis, and many others. It is also possible for these diseases to be spread through bird droppings.

Birds can also carry ectoparasites such a fleas, mites, lice and ticks.

And let’ not forget, birds can also infect food sources including animal feeders, flowers, buds, and fruits and vegetables.

Signs of Birds in a Chimney

Birds that typically nest in hollow trees may find comfort in building a nest inside a chimney.

If you suspect birds are living inside your chimney, there are a few things you can check for to be sure it is in fact a bird(s).

Birds inside of chimneys will make a lot of noise such as chirping, flapping, rustling, and scratching when trying to escape.

If birds are in fact living inside the chimney, there will be increased bird activity around your home. If your chimney flue is open, it’s possible to see birds flying in and out of the chimney.

Finally, a foul odor coming from your chimney could unfortunately mean that dead and decaying birds are inside.

A bird nest in the chimney can pose several dangers.

The nests themselves can block airflow, sending carbon monoxide and smoke into your home. In extreme cases this blockage may result in a fire.

Signs of Birds in the Attic

Entering through gaps in the roofline, soffits, fascia, and flashing can act as a point of entry for birds who are looking to build a nest in the attic.

The birds, once in the attic, will make loud noises including chirping, rustling, flapping, and scratching.

If there are baby birds in the nest, you could potentially hear constant chirping as the babies call for their mother.

The birds can damage, and even destroy, valuables that are stored in your attic, among make an unsightly mess.

While building a nest in the attic, birds will also look for numerous materials suitable for supporting their eggs and camouflaging themselves from predators. They’ll will search for materials such as twigs, leaves, yarn/rope, broom thistles, even silk from spider webs.

How to Handle Bird Removal Yourself

While there are many DIY efforts that some will suggest, these efforts can be quite dangerous, including getting rid of pigeons.

It’s also important to remember that many bird species are protected by law. With this in mind, bird removal needs to be handled with extreme care.

Homeowners should also keep in mind the species of birds that are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that cannot be disturbed or evicted, like the Chimney Swift bird.

Chimney swifts, much like their name suggests, prefer to nest inside chimneys. These birds and their nests are protected by federal government.

Attempting to trap the birds yourself may be difficult and ineffective since traps will be most effective in feeding sites as opposed to nesting sites such as your chimney.

In addition, birds may become too disoriented inside your chimney to fly into a trap. This disorientation can lead to the bird becoming injured and stuck inside the chimney.

Avoid trying to encourage the birds to leave by smoking them out as the nesting material could cause a fire.

Depending on how many birds are living in your chimney or attic, it could be possible to scare them out. Making loud noises or shining a bright light where they’ve built their nest could encourage them to leave the building.

Do not try to simply remove the nest yourself as you may become exposed to dangerous diseases.

The best way to solve your bird problem is to contact a wildlife management professional immediately. They will be well versed in the laws for your area regarding any bird protections.

Catseye Pest Control technicians are trained in safe, effective, and humane methods of removal of birds.

Bird Removal & Exclusion

Removing birds from homes and businesses requires a careful eviction process from professional technicians, and that begins with an in-depth inspection of the property.

This allows our team to identify the species of bird inhabiting the home or business, what is attracting them to the structure, and if there is any damage or entry points that need to be repaired.

With these aspects identified, a solution can be determined and put into action.

Using a variety of visual and sound deterrents, the birds are encouraged to leave and not return.

Once the birds have left, our technicians are able to perform cleaning and disinfectant tasks that will eliminate the risk of diseases being spread by the birds or droppings.

For more extensive bird damage, and to prevent future nesting activity, Catseye technicians can install Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems — a permanent solution to nuisance wildlife.

Our state-of-the-art exclusion system is the best line of defense against nuisance wildlife for your home, business, or other structure on your property.

If you think you have a bird infestation, contact our wildlife management professionals today.

Use These Tips for Cleaning Up the Mess & Damage Left Behind by Mice & Other Rodents

Mice are very small and there are several ways they can get into a home or business.

These rodents are also a danger, not just because of the damage they can cause, but also because the several diseases they carry may be harmful if spread to humans.

If you believe your home or business has a mouse infestation, there are a few things you can do to handle the problem yourself.

Begin by eliminating the mice from the home or business using rodent traps and sealing any entry points.

Be sure to check traps daily. If a week passes with no rodents caught, this will signify that the mice have most likely left the area.

And if the job is too big or hard to handle yourself, you know you can call us to get it done quickly and efficiently.

How to Clean Up After Mice Infestations

Once you know the mice are gone (and for good), you can now go about cleaning the area.

These steps will result in a disinfected area that will ensure you and your family are safe and healthy.

While cleaning up after mice, be sure to wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves. When the job is complete, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands.

You should also consider wearing a respirator, eye protection such as safety goggles, and use a HEPA filter in your vacuum while cleaning up after mice.

Remove Dead Rodents & Nests

Spray the dead rodent or nest with disinfectant/bleach mixture and let soak for at least 5 minutes. There are different steps to take to get rid of mice in your walls.

While wearing protective gloves, double bag the rodent(s) or nest(s) in tightly sealed plastic bags. The bag should then be placed into a covered trash can that is emptied on a consistent basis.

This process is very important and needs to be handled with caution as mice and other rodents have been known to transmit diseases to humans.

Diseases mice spread include Hantavirus, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and of course — the plague.

Ventilate the Area

Before cleaning the area, open doors and windows to allow fresh air to flow into the area.

Use cross-ventilation and leave the area for at least 30 minutes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this will ensure that the droppings are no longer infectious and are safe to remove.

Keep the area ventilated while cleaning.

Remove Mouse Droppings & Urine

Avoid sweeping or vacuuming to prevent creating dust-like matter.

Be sure to wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves when cleaning urine and droppings to avoid a potential infection or contracting a virus spread by rodents.

To clean the areas impacted by urine and droppings, spray the area with a mixture of water and bleach, then let it soak for at least 5 minutes.

The concentration mixture should be 1-part bleach to 10 parts water.

Next, use a paper towel to wipe up the urine and droppings, then immediately place in the garbage.

Clean & Disinfect Entire Area

Once the urine and feces have been removed, the remaining areas will need to be cleaned.

Use a disinfectant or bleach solution to mop floors and clean countertops, etc.

Upholstered furniture and carpets that have been exposed to rodents should be steam cleaned or shampooed.

Wash all clothing and bedding that could have been exposed to mice urine or droppings in hot water.

Cleaning Basements, Attics & Storage Areas

For proper ventilation, fans will be a big help in these types stuffy or windowless areas.

Insulation with evidence of mouse urine or droppings should be removed and placed in plastic garbage bags.

The floor, trimming, and walls that have been contaminated should be cleaned with disinfectant spray.

Move contaminated boxes outside and into direct sunlight. Any cardboard boxes with evidence of urine or droppings from mice or other rodents should be thrown away.

Plastic, glass, or metal containers can be sanitized with disinfectant spray and wiped with paper towels.

Some items stored in contaminated boxes can be wiped off using disinfectant spray.

Depending on the severity of the contamination, other items such as books and documents should be left outside in the sunshine for an extended period of time.

Leaving an infected item in sunlight for several hours will help to reduce the risk of an infectious virus.

Importance of Using Professional Rodent Clean Up Services

Mice infestations are a common occurrence. But especially throughout the Northeast, including in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

These whiskered rodents are more than happy to move into homes and offices where there is a supply of food or water, warmth, and protection from the elements.

In many cases, business owners and homeowners have found mouse removal to be quite difficult to handle on their own.

In the event of a heavy mice infestation, contact mice and rodent control professionals to ensure proper handling of the issue.

Catseye Pest Control provides consumers with proper mouse removal as well as cleaning up after mice that have contaminated the home or office.

Mouse removal and cleanup is only part of the process. To prevent a future rodent infestation, it is essential to seal all points of entry.

To do so, Catseye offers Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems, a state-of-the-art exclusion product that keeps unwanted rodents and wildlife out of homes, businesses, and other structures for good. Our permanent pest and rodent-exclusion system protects homes, businesses, and other structures.

This long-term solution will protect your investment from being taken over by nuisance wildlife like mice and other rodents.

To learn more, contact our pest and wildlife professionals today.

Bees are One of the Most Impactful Flying Insects on the Planet

Does the phrase “as busy as a bee” sound familiar?

It probably does, and for good reason.

While we’re busy completing daily tasks, someone might say they are as busy as a bee — but we don’t usually think about the actual little bee and how busy it is.

Bees are one of the hardest working creatures, but the insect is truly underappreciated.

So, why are bees important to us and the environment?

Benefits of Bees & Pollination

Bees can be a frightening sight at a picnic — but the winged pest plays a big part in food being a possibility for us to enjoy.

Among the benefits of bees, pollination is at the top of the list.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to allow fertilization. It’s seemingly invisible to the human eye, but it holds substantial importance in agriculture.

Thus, the benefits of bees truly outweigh any fear we should have of these flying insects.

Improved Food & Diet Through Pollination

If we didn’t have bees, our world would be a much different place.

Take into consideration how much bees, like honey bees, pollinate.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), more than 75 percent of the world’s food crops producing fruits and seeds depend on pollination.

The food we consume largely depends on bee pollinators for sustained production, yield, and quality.

Pollination-dependent crops, like coffee and cocoa beans, provide income for farmers — especially smallholder and family-run farms.

Not to mention the ever-increasing value honey holds as a means of income for farms and beekeepers.

Plants that are well-pollinated are more likely to produce larger, tastier fruits and vegetables. Plants have the ability to determine how much effort is needed to produce bountiful fruits and vegetables.

Plants that aren’t pollinated appropriately will produce something that is misshaped, bland, or mealy.

And thanks to bees acting as pollinators, farm animals and livestock have a diverse source of food to forage.

Biodiversity Through Bee Pollination

Pollination is one of the most important factors that contributes to biodiversity.

It helps to produce a variety of different plants, and as we have learned, a lot of these are food crops.

Not only are flowering plants dependent on pollination, bees and forest beekeeping help to sustain forest ecosystems. This process is done through the regeneration of trees, which then helps to conserve forest biodiversity.

Organizations, like the FAO, are working to promote worldwide action to safeguard wild and managed pollinators while promoting the sustainable use of pollination services.

These services have been recognized as vital for agricultural growth and a healthy ecosystem.

Bee Population Declining

Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, are under threat, ensuring a sustainable agriculture can reduce the threat these helpful insects face.

The loss of biodiversity and the wide-spread use of harmful pesticides have been heavily linked to the bee population declining in recent years.

Some pesticides, when applied at high concentration level or frequently, create a chemical-intensive environment and leads to negative effects on pollinators.

In turn, concentrated applications have been linked to the bee population declining over the years.

With the benefits of bees in mind, professional bee removal and control is essential if you suspect your home or business has a bee infestation.

Environmentally friendly treatment and prevention plans give you peace of mind while also safeguarding this pollinator.

Did you know? Catseye Pest Control works with local beekeepers in each of our service territories to protect these wonderful pollinators!

For more information about professional bee removal and control solutions, contact our pest management professionals today.