If you’ve ever dealt with a mice infestation or spoken to someone who has, you’ll likely ask yourself the question “How do mice squeeze into such small holes?” Many homeowners are baffled when they discover a mice infestation as they thought their property was unbreachable. But mice are cunning and tenacious, with biology on their side as well. One urban rodentologist, Dr Bobby Corrigan asserts that a mouse can fit into any space that can accommodate a number two pencil. Is it any wonder that mice are so popular as the reason behind the calls for animal control services in Canada and the rest of the world?

What Allows Mice to Squeeze Through Those Tiny Cracks and Holes?

Many people have bought into the myth that mice do not have collarbones and that they have collapsible skeletons which allow them to navigate tiny spaces. Given the width of a pencil (1/4 inch) it is easy to see how people would believe this to be so. This is not exactly true though as mice actually have body features that allow them to fit into numerous types and sizes of crevices.

The first of these body features is their size. Mice are actually quite smaller than they appear to be. The illusion of a bigger size is created by their fur. A mouse’s real body dimensions range from 7-10 centimetres in length and weigh in the region of 14 grams.

The second body feature that helps mice make their way into seemingly impassable spaces is their flexible vertebrae. Flexible vertebrae allow them to wriggle and squirm until their little bodies are propelled through the space. Additionally, mice have collarbones that slope towards their chest, eliminating any problem with fitting this part of their body into small spaces.

Mice and Your Property

The only true limitation a mouse has to fit into spaces is its skull, but once the mouse’s head fits into a space, its body will follow suit. Remember also that mice are Mother Nature’s experts at digging and tunnelling, so when they find spaces that are a little tight, they can chew, dig or tunnel their way through (especially for soft building material such as wood).

Property owners cannot rely solely on their perceptions and assessment of potential entry points to exclude mice from their buildings. Very often, small cracks and holes go unnoticed and give a false sense of security from mice invasion.

The Skedaddle Solution

The fact that mice are adept at finding and creating access points to your home means that you need expert animal control services to manage and prevent home invasion. Skedaddle’s humane wildlife animal control services are perfect for this purpose. Skedaddle will find those access points that you inadvertently overlooked and ensure that mice are denied access to your home. If you do not have an infestation, we offer preventive services where we identify potential breach points and install barriers to keep mice out. Our proofing measures come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can relax knowing your home is protected.