On television, mice are funny, cute and at times, heartrending. Think Mickey Mouse, Jerry (Tom and Jerry), Bernard and Miss Bianca (The Rescuers), and Fievel Mousekewitz (An American Tail). Adorable, right?
Don’t be fooled. The mice of televisions and movies are all well and good, but having your very own house mouse is not at all the same. Mice in your home are a real problem that must be taken seriously and dealt with promptly.
Why a Mouse In the House Is Bad News
The thought of a mouse in the house may not be as off-putting as the thought of cockroaches or bed bugs, but the truth is they’re equally as bad. First off, understand that mice breed quickly, so the probability that there is just a single mouse in the house is unlikely. Second, understand that mice aren’t just peacefully living in your home … they can cause many problems.
Mice can bring other pests into your home. For example, fleas, mites, ticks and lice may come with a mice infestation. In addition, mice can cause health issues—micro droplets of their urine can cause allergies, and they can spread diseases such as salmonella.
It isn’t just your health that can be affected by mice. These pests also cost you money. They invade food sources, thereby making food unsafe for consumption by humans and pets. In addition, they cause property damage by chewing through wires and other parts of your home.
Dealing with a mouse infestation quickly and effectively will help you avoid these problems.
Signs of a Mouse In the House
Since mice infestations should be treated promptly, it’s important to be on the lookout for these unwanted guests. Symptoms, so to speak, include:
- Droppings
- Gnawed objects
- Tracks
- Nests—while rats tend to burrow, mice make nests out of paper and other refuse
- Torn-open food containers
Additionally, when you’re dealing with a mouse, you may actually get a glimpse of the critter. Mice tend to be curious and bold, so there’s a decent chance you’ll actually see one scuttling through your home.
Not sure if you have a mouse or rat problem? Here’s how to tell the two apart. Keep in mind that you need to be vigilant year-round. Mice do not hibernate in the winter and may be more likely to invade your home during the cold months to escape the elements and find a food source. Here are some tips on protecting your home during the winter.
Call a Pro
Since mice breed quickly, a professional is the most effective and efficient way to deal with them. Putting down traps may catch a few mice, but when you consider that a female can have as many as 10 litters per year, you realize how quickly the problem can get out of control. In addition, traps need to be placed properly in order to ensure success. This requires knowledge of mouse habitats and habits. Furthermore, traps can be dangerous to humans and pets if not placed properly.
To ensure your home is mouse-free in a timely manner and that your family remains healthy and your home undamaged, call a pro at the first sign of a mouse infestation.
ScherZinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton and now Columbus. We’ve been pioneers who have engineered new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.