Catch That Mouse Before It Multiplies!

It happens all the time. The phone rings here at Vogelsang Pest Management, and we hear a familiar story: “I saw a mouse last week, but I figured it was just a stray one. Now I’m hearing scratching in the walls!”

As a family-owned and family-operated business, we talk to homeowners every day who are dealing with unwelcome visitors. And almost every time, customers admit the same thing: “I wish I had called sooner.”

Mice may look small and harmless, but when you spot one, there’s almost always more going on behind the scenes. During the winter—when rodents become especially active and start seeking warmth and shelter—your home becomes a prime target. They can squeeze through shockingly small openings—anything the size of a dime—to get in.

Before long, that one little mouse can turn into the kind of unexpected house guest no homeowner wants.

Common Signs You May Have a Mouse Infestation

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets found along baseboards, inside cabinets, or near food.
• Gnaw Marks: Chew marks on food packaging, wires, wood, or walls.
• Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation tucked into hidden areas.
• Tracks/Rub Marks: Oily smudges along walls or floorboards.
• Scratching Noises: Nighttime scurrying or squeaking inside walls or ceilings.
• A Musky Odor: A stale scent, especially in confined spaces.

If you notice these signs, it’s worth looking into effective house mouse control options right away.

Why It’s Crucial to Act Fast

When you spot a mouse, it’s important to remember you’re not dealing with a clean, domesticated pet-store mouse. Wild mice bring in bacteria, parasites, and other risks—and they multiply far faster than most homeowners realize. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your home and your family.

Here’s why you don’t want to wait:

• Wild mice carry contaminants: They travel through dumpsters, dirt, and outdoor debris, picking up harmful bacteria on their fur and paws—and then spreading it onto counters, food storage areas, dishes, and silverware.
• They bring in parasites: Wild mice can carry lice, mites, ticks, and fleas from outside and introduce them into your home through the small openings they chew.
• Reproduction happens fast:

• • Female mice are pregnant for only about 20 days.
  • Each litter typically has 6–8 pups (sometimes more).
  • They can have 5–10 litters a year.

• Infestations grow exponentially: Young females can reproduce as early as 5–6 weeks old, meaning a single litter can turn into several in under 2 months.

These factors combined make waiting risky—and tackling the problem early much easier, safer, and less expensive.

Ready for a Mouse-Free Home This Holiday Season?

If you’ve seen a mouse, heard scratching, or found even a single dropping, now is the time to act. At Vogelsang Pest Management, we’ve spent more than 30 years protecting homes and businesses in the O’Fallon area. We don’t just set traps—we offer custom pest control programs that target entry points, eliminate active infestations, and prevent future issues.

And because your family’s safety matters, we use pet-friendly and kid-friendly products, giving you peace of mind during one of the busiest times of the year.

With the holidays here, the last thing you need is uninvited pests making themselves at home. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, baking cookies, or simply enjoying quiet evenings by the tree, you deserve a space that feels comfortable, safe, and completely mouse-free.

Let us help ensure your home is truly holiday-ready.

Call Vogelsang Pest Management today for a quick, thorough assessment—and enjoy a season that’s merry, bright, and mouse-free.