How do you know if you have mice?

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips | 0 comments

When the weather turns chilly, you’re not the only one looking for a warm place to stay. Each year, millions of homes become unwitting hosts to mice and other rodents seeking shelter from the cold. These tiny intruders can slip in through openings as small as a dime — often unnoticed until the telltale signs appear. From mysterious scratching in the walls to unexpected nibbles on food packages, here’s how to tell if you have mice — and what to do about it before they settle in for the season.

Why Mice Are a Problem

Mice might seem harmless, but they can cause surprisingly big problems. They chew through wires (creating fire hazards), gnaw on furniture, and even damage appliances. Beyond property damage, they can affect your health — contaminating food and water with saliva, urine, and droppings that can carry bacteria and viruses. Mice also transport unwanted hitchhikers such as fleas, ticks, and mites.

Though they rarely bite unless cornered, mice reproduce quickly. A single pair can produce up to 35 babies a year, turning a small problem into a full-blown infestation before you know it. Because mice are nocturnal and shy, you might not actually see them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Fortunately, they leave plenty of clues.

Signs That You Have Mice

Droppings

Mouse droppings look like small, dark grains of rice or chocolate sprinkles. You’ll often find them near food sources — under sinks, inside cupboards, in drawers, and along walls. Basements, attics, and utility rooms are also common hotspots. Finding droppings in multiple places usually indicates an active infestation.

Tracks and Smudge Marks

Mice travel the same paths repeatedly, leaving behind grease marks, footprints, and urine stains. To check for tracks, shine a flashlight or black light at a low angle along walls or behind appliances. You can also lightly dust areas with baby powder or flour — if mice are active, you’ll spot tiny footprints the next morning.

Chew Marks

Mice constantly gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Look for small chew marks on food packaging, wires, wood, or even plastic containers. If you find gnawed cords or frayed wires, unplug appliances. Replace them and/or call an electrician.

Nests

Mice build cozy nests close to food sources, usually in hidden areas such as behind ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, or water heaters. A mouse nest looks like a messy pile of shredded paper, fabric, or dried leaves. If you find one, wear gloves and dispose of it carefully — then clean and disinfect the area.

Noises in the Walls

That faint scratching or scampering you hear at night might not be your imagination. Mice often make squeaking or rustling sounds as they move between walls, under floors, or inside cabinets. These noises are usually a sign that they’re gathering food or nesting materials.

Strange Smells

A strong, stale ammonia-like odor (similar to a baby’s diaper) is a classic sign of a heavy mouse presence. You might also detect a musty, musky scent near nesting areas. A sharp, pungent smell can indicate a dead mouse in a wall or vent.

Pet Behavior

Your dog or cat may notice mice before you do. If your pet seems fixated on a particular corner, wall, or appliance — especially at night — it might be reacting to movement or scent. Use a flashlight to inspect the area for droppings or gnaw marks.

Actual Sightings

Spotting a mouse darting across your floor is a clear warning. Mice typically stay hidden, so seeing one in plain sight often means others are nearby.

Allergic Reactions

If someone in your home suddenly develops unexplained allergies or worsened asthma, it could be triggered by mouse fur, droppings, or dander. In that case, it’s worth checking for other signs of an infestation.

How to Control a Rodent Infestation

Once you’ve confirmed that you have mice, it’s time to act.

Seal entry points.

Inspect your home for small gaps, holes, or cracks — around doors, windows, vents, pipes, and utility lines — and seal them with steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth. Remember, mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime.

Eliminate food and water sources.

Store all food (including pet food) in airtight containers. Wipe up crumbs and spills promptly. Fix leaky pipes and don’t leave standing water in sinks or pet bowls overnight.

Choose traps wisely.

There are several types of traps, including snap traps, electronic traps, and glue boards. However, these are inhumane and cause unnecessary suffering. Live traps are a more compassionate option — just make sure to release mice far from your home so they won’t return You can also call a licensed exterminator for professional help, especially if the problem is widespread.

Clean thoroughly.

After removing mice, clean and disinfect any contaminated areas with a mixture of bleach and water (wear gloves and a mask). Dispose of droppings and nesting materials in sealed plastic bags.

How to Prevent Mice from Coming Back

The best way to keep your home mouse-free is through prevention:

• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Repair or replace damaged screens.
• Add screens to chimney openings and vents.
• Seal interior and exterior cracks with caulk or steel wool.
• Keep storage areas organized and clutter-free — mice love hiding spots.
• Store food, including pet food and birdseed, in sealed containers.
• Empty garbage cans regularly.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

You can also use natural deterrents to make your home less inviting. Mice dislike strong scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, white vinegar, and citronella. Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them near entry points or suspected nesting areas.

Mice are resourceful, fast, and surprisingly determined. But with a little vigilance and prompt action, you can stop an infestation before it gets out of hand. A proactive approach now will help ensure that the only guests settling in for the season are the ones you actually invited.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

DIY Cleaning Products That Really Work

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips | 0 comments

Who says cleaning has to come in a plastic bottle filled with mystery chemicals you can’t even pronounce? With a few simple pantry staples—think vinegar, baking soda, and a lemon peel—you can whip up DIY cleaning products that are safe, budget-friendly, and surprisingly powerful. Bonus: they smell a whole lot better, too.

Pantry Powerhouses: The Magic Behind DIY Cleaners

Before diving into recipes, let’s get to know a few key ingredients that make these formulas shine:

• Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this kitchen staple is not just for baking—it’s a powerful cleaner, too. Its mild abrasiveness makes it great for scrubbing, while its whitening, brightening, and deodorizing properties leave surfaces fresh and clean.
• Vinegar: An all-star degreaser and deodorizer, vinegar is a fantastic cleaner for glass and nonporous surfaces. It’s acidic, so avoid using it on natural stone like granite or marble, cast iron, stainless steel and unfinished wood—as it could corrode or damage them. Never mix vinegar with bleach (or you risk a dangerous reaction).
• Citric Acid: Found naturally in citrus fruits, citric acid is sold in powder form. It is excellent at cutting grease, removing stains, and tackling mineral deposits. It’s not good for all surfaces, though. Like vinegar, it is high in acidity. Skip citric acid on wood floors, electronics, copper, brass, and natural stone.

A Note on Mixing Vinegar + Baking Soda
That fizzy foam is fun and can help lift dirt—but baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other when combined. The leftover liquid isn’t a strong cleaner. Use them separately for best results.

Tried-and-True DIY Recipes

We researched some of the most popular do-it-yourself formulas for homemade household cleaners. Do you have a favorite that’s not on this list? Be sure to share it in the comments.

All-Purpose Cleaner

• ¼ cup Dawn dish soap
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¾ cup vinegar
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• 1¼ cups water

Mix the ingredients above and store in a spray bottle. Pro tip: Infuse the vinegar with lemon, orange or grapefruit peels for 1–2 weeks for a fresh scent and extra grease-cutting power.

Alternatively, you can use a simpler version of just ½ cup white vinegar and 4 cups warm water for an all-purpose cleaner. Cleaning glass? Use equal amounts vinegar and water to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Carpet Freshener

• 2 cups borax
• 1 cup baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil

Mix the ingredients above and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, sprinkle the mixture on your carpet. Let it sit 30 minutes, then vacuum. Not only does it freshen the room, it helps repel pests and deter rodents.

Carpet Stain Remover

• Baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• 2 cups warm water

Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, wait 10 minutes, then vacuum. Mix the dish soap, vinegar and water, and apply with a sponge. Use a clean cloth to blot the moisture. Repeat with sponging the water mixture and blotting until the stain disappears.

Dishwasher Detergent

• 8 oz castile soap
• 1 cup water
• 3 Tbsp. vinegar

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container. When you are ready to run the dishwasher, add 1 tablespoon per load.

Drain Cleaner

• ½ cup borax
• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup white vinegar

Mix the above ingredients into a paste and pour it into the drain. Let it sit 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Fabric Softener

• 5½ cups water
• 15 oz. hair conditioner
• 2½ cups vinegar
• 20 drops essential oil (optional especially if your hair conditioner has a nice scent)

Mix and store. Use ¼ cup per wash during the rinse cycle.

Grout Cleaner

Add water to baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply that paste to the grout. Let it sit 15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

Hardwood Floor Shine

• Bucket of warm water
• Few drops natural dish soap
• 1 tsp castile soap or olive oil

Mop as usual to restore the shine without damaging the wood.

Soft Scrub Cleanser

• 1½ cups baking soda
• ½ cup liquid laundry soap
• 10 drops tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil

Mix into a paste and store airtight. Rehydrate with water if it dries.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• 1 cup baking soda
• ¼ cup citric acid
• ½ cup vinegar

Mix the dry ingredients—the baking soda and citric acid. Sprinkle that powder mixture in the toilet bowl. Then, add vinegar to the bowl, which will cause it to foam. Scrub and then flush.

Cleaning and Protecting

For some additional inspiration, check out our blog on 5 Hacks for Cleaning Your House While Everyone’s Home.

Of course, taking care of your home goes beyond keeping it clean—it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked so hard for. At California Casualty, we understand your home is your greatest investment, and we’re here to make sure it’s fully protected with the right insurance coverage.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.