Aptly named, the common house mouse is a mouse species that prefers to live inside our homes. Rodents are nocturnal creatures that can go undetected for months in attics, basements, and wall voids. While they generally gravitate to reliable food sources, house mice won’t overlook access to a clean home. This is especially the case when preventative measures haven’t been put into place.
It is helpful to know what kind of rodent you are dealing with once you realize you have a problem. House mice are typically grey in color, with round bodies, pointed muzzles, and large ears. Mouse droppings are about ¼ inch in length. Their appearance is similar to the shape and size of a grain of rice.
Health Risks Associated With House Mice
Rodents are known carriers of bacteria and diseases that can easily be passed on to humans. House mice are linked to several illnesses, including salmonella, hantavirus, and tularemia. Infected rodents spread viruses in saliva, feces, and urine. When humans inhale dust containing dried rodent urine or feces, we are breathing in infectious diseases as well. Harmful bacteria can also be spread through the contamination of stored foods, pantry shelves, silverware drawers, and other sensitive areas where food is prepared.
To make matters worse, rodents carry parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks. These secondary pests come with their own list of risks to our health. Flea bites are extremely itchy. They also have the potential to infect their victims with a myriad of other harmful diseases.
Mice are prolific breeders, so there is almost never just one mouse. A female can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks, and she’ll produce up to 35 young per year. If you’ve seen one mouse, you haven’t seen them all. As the number of mice in your home increases, so does the likelihood of health threats.
Preventative Tips To Keep Mice Out Of Your New York Home
Rodents can infest every nook and wall void with ease. Each year, mice and rats leave homeowners all over the country with costly repairs. Structural damage is not only costly; it can also lead to threatening hazards such as electrical fires, water damage, and mold. Mice have strong and durable teeth. They can chew through a variety of materials including, wood, plastic, rubber, low gauge aluminum, drywall, and electrical wiring.
Mice can easily find their way into your home. If they can’t find an entry point large enough, they will chew their way inside. When was the last time you inspected your property for signs of damage or disturbance? Get the process started today with this essential list of preventative tips to help protect your home that will help reduce opportunities for rodents to find food, water, and shelter in or around your home.
- Reduce areas where mice can hide by storing all of your firewood at least 20 feet away from the exterior of your home.
- Remove any leaf litter and debris from your property.
- Eliminate entry points by replacing weather stripping and loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
- Seal up exterior gaps, cracks, or holes in your foundation and walls with caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors, and repair damaged screens to keep pests from finding an easy way inside.
- Eliminate moisture sites such as leaking pipes and clogged drains.
- Remove food sources by storing food in sealed glass or metal containers.
- Seal trash cans and dispose of your garbage regularly.
- Partner with a pest professional for expert rodent control services in New York.
The Most Effective Way To Eliminate The Problem
The experts at BHB Pest Elimination pride ourselves in providing exceptional pest control to residents and businesses throughout New York and New Jersey since 1969. We know the ins and outs of the pest control industry. We will not only eliminate your current pest problem, but we will also implement measures to keep unwanted pests from returning.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our residential pest control options and to schedule your inspection.
