What Mouse Footprints Look Like & Problems They Cause



What Do Mouse Tracks Look Like?

While their small size and nocturnal behavior can make detection a challenge, mice frequently leave telltale signs of their presence. Mouse tracks, for instance, are a common sign of rodent infestation. Mice have four toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet. They also have claws, which may or may not be apparent in their footprints. Mouse tracks are often accompanied by a visible trail created by the long tail of the rodent as it comes into contact with the ground.

Size of Mouse Tracks

Measuring the specific size of mouse tracks can help identify the species that made the footprints. The tracks of the white-footed mouse generally range from 1/2 an inch to just under an inch in both length and width, while the footprints of the house mouse are usually less than 1/2 an inch in size. Field mice create tracks with measurements of about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch for the front feet and roughly 1/4 of an inch for the hind feet.

Where to Look

Mice tend to follow the same routes repeatedly when they forage for food or explore their home territory. As a result, their tracks are most often found in areas of the home where the rodents are known to travel. Look for mouse tracks on the ground next to walls, as mice like to move along the edges of structures. Mouse tracks are also commonly found behind household furnishings and in dark corners. Unlike rats, mice will curiously investigate new objects that appear in their territory.

Sign of Infestation

The presence of mouse tracks is a clear indication of infestation. Mice tend to stay close to home and seldom travel more than 10 to 25 feet from their nests. Finding mouse tracks therefore means the nest is located within close proximity. Furthermore, due to the prolific rate at which they breed, mice can quickly create large infestations that may be difficult to remove without the services of a pest control professional. This makes it highly advisable to contact a professional pest control specialist at the first sign of mouse tracks or other mouse activity.

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Customer Reviews

Kirk D.
2/16/2023
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.

Serivces: Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Robert B.
2/15/2023
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
-Chattanooga
Gene F.
2/15/2023
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.

Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Bob I.
2/10/2023

Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
-Detroit, MI
Richard L.
2/10/2023

Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
-Seattle, WA
Kenneth H.
9/21/2022
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
-New Hampshire
Lee F.
9/13/2022
We have a vacation home in Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.

We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
Mary L.
4/16/2021
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of mice droppings.

We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .

Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!

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