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.
Learn more about mouse removal.