Cute but potentially deadly intruders are infiltrating homes across Boise at alarming rates. Deer mice - those adorable oversized-eared rodents - are entering properties from Eagle and Star, to Meridian, Garden City and Kuna at unprecedented levels.
Wherever deer mice go, risks of contamination and property damage follow despite their cuddly appearance. Take urgent home protection measures before encountering these troublesome pests up close.
How Deer Mice Access Houses in the Boise Area
Gaps as small as 1⁄4 inch allow deer mice entry into Treasure Valley dwellings. They climb surprisingly well also, scaling walls to access higher floors. Attics, basements, garages - few spaces remain unaffected once inside.
There, deer mice build nests, scavenge for food, and defecate across surfaces. The mess and damage add up over their winter-long stay if left uncontrolled.
Most homeowners who winterize their homes, control access to food and water sources, and keep potential shelters like wood piles at least 20 feet from the home will never see a deer mouse. However, no DIY deer mouse control effort is 100% fool-proof.
Safeguarding Boise Homes
Protect against deer mice proactively using the following pest control industry methods:
- Seal all external cracks around foundations with water-resistant caulking, lath screening, copper mesh.
- Trim back exterior vegetation touching structures.
- Store household refuse securely in gnaw-proof bins with tightly closing lids.
- Inspect interiors thoroughly for new stains, odd odors, or tiny black rice-like droppings signaling an infestation.
Protect Your Family from Hantavirus
These uninvited guests carry hantavirus, an often fatal respiratory infection. The virus transfers through feces or urine, then infects humans if it becomes aerosolized.
Idaho health agencies strongly advise disinfecting any deer mouse evidence using bleach solutions. Never sweep or vacuum infested areas - this stirs infected dust into air circulation.
Hantavirus' 38% U.S. fatality rate kills victims when critical care proves ineffective against acute respiratory distress and shock. The Idaho Department of Health provides a detailed guide on how to prevent the disease Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
We recommend every homeowner in the Boise region become familiar with what it is, how you can get it, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent it.
As of the end of 2021, 850 laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus disease were reported in the United States since surveillance began in 1993. Only 24 hantavirus cases have occurred in Idaho since 2021 and five were fatal.
Get Help with Your Deer Mouse Problem
Deer mice are a fixture in Idaho's landscape. They live almost everywhere - in forests, farms, prairies, mountains, and cities. Females grow up and have babies in less than 2 months. They are pregnant for only 24 days before the babies come.
This means there's always a thriving population despite so many predators such as hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, foxes and snakes.
Local populations in your neighborhood may be high enough to challenge DIY home rodent control.
Our team of Boise deer mice exterminators are licensed in access to commercial-grade product, exclusion methods, and traps. We're experienced rodent control experts ready to help you live in Boise pest-free.
Contact us at Croach® pest control to schedule an inspection today.
Boise Deer Mice Exterminator Near Me
Croach® Pest Control serves the Treasure Valley area including Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, Hidden Springs, Kuna, Meridian, Middleton, Nampa, and Star.