There are various unwanted critters in the Keystone State that can give residents the willies, but there is one that stands out above the rest. Meet Pennsylvania’s most undesirable pest: the mouse. This rodent is not as harmless as it may seem, so contacting our trained rodent control technicians at BHB Pest Elimination could be the best course of action.

House Mouse 411

The house mouse makes its home throughout the United States, including Pennsylvania. This furry little mammal can be found in varying shades of brown and gray, with much of their bellies being lighter or almost white color. One of the most common pests that invade homes, the house mouse has larger ears, a pointed snout, a pair of dark eyes, and ranges in size from 2.5 to not quite four inches in length, not including the tail.

Hidden Dangers Of Mice

Homeowners may know these rodents are unsightly, but not everyone understands potential threats associated with Pennsylvania’s most undesirable pest: the mouse.

Allergies Or Asthma

Unfortunately, having mice in the house also means having their waste inside. Mice, urine, and feces have been shown to cause children to develop allergies and asthma due to their exposure over time. Oils from mouse fur left as they scurry around the home may also cause allergic sensitivities.

Infection

Household members may become sick thanks to a common house mouse. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) may be transmitted through a bite or contact with parts of a nest, saliva, urine, or feces from an infected mouse. This viral disease can begin with flu-like symptoms but may develop into meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis.

Although uncommon, rat-bite fever (RBF) can also be transmitted to humans from mice. Contacting infected rodents or their waste is the primary way to contract this bacterial condition. Victims may exhibit muscle pain, fever, rash, vomiting, or swelling, but severe cases could lead to complications, thus creating much more serious issues.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transferred from animals’ urine. Coming in contact with soil or water contaminated with an infected mouse’s urine puts a person at risk for developing this condition. Fever, jaundice, achiness, diarrhea, headache, and rash are usual symptoms.

Food Contamination

Human food contaminated by mice is not only unsanitary: it can be unsafe. Salmonellosis from mice is usually contracted when a person eats something that has been in contact with the animal itself or traces of its fecal matter from a food preparation surface. Subjects may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, and headache.

Keeping Mice Out Of Homes

Preventing an infestation begins with keeping these pests out of human residences. Focus on closing gaps and holes throughout the home: caulk is best, but steel wool can work in a pinch. Pick up food after preparing. Keep counters wiped down and floors swept and mopped to ensure no morsel is available to tempt these devils.

Evicting Mice

Once mice get into the home, they can be a real bother to remove. These pests can squish through teeny tiny cracks and holes when they want to, making them difficult to remove. Homeowners can use mouse traps that lure the creatures with peanut butter, gels, or cheese. Such steps can reduce the population but certainly won’t take care of all inhabitants.

Solving Mouse Issues

Homeowners now know the risks associated with Pennsylvania’s most undesirable pest: the mouse. Kick mice and rodents out for good with some serious help from the professionals at BHB Pest Elimination. Our home pest control experts are available to control these pests permanently.