In homes that have mice or had mice in the past their excrement can be found in many different places. Mice are one of the critters we come across that do not have a common latrine area. What compels mice to leave their feces and urinate where ever they please?
The good news is they’re not doing it maliciously. Mice are a species of prey. Their vision can be classified as near nighted, seeing only one to two feet with clarity. Their eyes are located on the sides of their heads. Mice utilize their whiskers to guide them through their environments, similar to a cane for humans. For these reasons mice will usually stay close to the perimeters of walls so they can follow a border. Mice will urinate and defecate in transit.
When a property has mice, lines of feces along the walls, under refrigerators or in drawers are common. Mice can drop 40-80 fecal pellets a day and do so while engaging in their daily activities. Mice feces are similar to a bread trail revealing their paths.
Although mice feces are found in living spaces, especially in basements and kitchens, it’s important to note that their nests are commonly found in attics and within walls.
Being a species of prey, their homes in your home will usually be out of sight in an attempt to stay out of mind. When mice feces are found in living areas attic inspections can give insight to the degree of the infestation and where to treat for them efficiently. Even if mice feces have only been viewed in one room, that does not mean their activity is limited to that area. Prior to treating for mice a comprehensive home inspection should occur.