A typical mouse is only about 2 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long, not including the length of its thin tail. That’s pretty small. How much trouble could such a small animal cause? Well, first of all, it isn’t likely to be one small animal. Mice reproduce quickly, so if one mouse gets in, it won’t take long before you have a few dozen mice living in your home. That means the dangers are going to increase with every little mouse that is born. Keep this in mind as we discuss some of the ways Raleigh mice can impact your life in negative ways, if you allow them to live in your home.
House Fire
Let’s start with the worst possible way a mouse could harm you, your family, and your property. Mice are known to chew on wires, gas lines, and matches. We don’t have to tell you how dangerous this can be. A tiny spark can create a flame that leads to a fire quickly raging through the wall voids of your home. But how likely is this to happen? More likely than you may think. Experts have estimated that up to 20 percent of undetermined fires in the United States are likely the result of rodent infestation. It is not a good idea to allow rodents to live in your home.
The Plague
Are you familiar with the black plague that ravaged Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s? Do you know that mice and rats were linked to the spread of this disease? Fortunately, the bubonic plague is now treatable and few people die from it. It is also rare in the Eastern United States. If you live in our Raleigh, North Carolina service area, you have little to fear from this disease.
Rodent-Related Diseases
The plague is far from the only disease that can be spread by rodents. When fleas and ticks feed on rodents, they can contract diseases that impact human health. Some of these diseases have the potential to be fatal, or lead to life-long medical issues. That’s the bad news. The good news is that serious disease is statistically low. You don’t need to live in fear of fleas, ticks, or rodents. It is, however, prudent to take steps to prevent exposure—just in case. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with flea and tick diseases.
Flea Diseases — There are many diseases associated with fleas. The most common pest flea species in the United States is the cat flea. The most common diseases spread by cat fleas are bubonic plague, Murine typhus, Tularemia, tapeworm, and allergies. Keep in mind that cat fleas bite dogs, other animals, and also humans.
Tick Diseases — There are many diseases associated with ticks, and there are several pest tick species in the United States. Not all species have the ability to spread all the diseases. The common diseases to be aware of are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rickettsia parkeri Rickettsiosis, and Colorado tick fever.
Mouse Diseases — There are some diseases that are transmitted by mice through their feces and urine. The most common are hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, rat bite fever, and food poisoning.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
This respiratory illness can impact your health when you clean up areas where rodents have created nests or left their droppings. We recommend wearing a mask or respirator if you intend to go into an area to remove nests or disinfect the contamination. This will prevent you from inhaling disease-causing airborne contaminants.
Food Poisoning
When mice get into trash bins, dumpsters, sewers, and other dirty places, they can become exposed to harmful bacteria and microscopic parasitic worms. These tiny organisms get in their fur or are ingested by the mice. When mice get into your food-storage areas, they can contaminate your foods with their saliva, waste, or organisms shed from their hairs.
Mold
When mice get into a structure, they often create holes to do so. If mice create holes in your home, it can allow water to get inside. This can lead to wood rot, and wood rot can present a danger to your finances. But the worst problem isn’t the money you’ll have to spend repairing your property. Water can lead to mold issues, and mold can make you sick.
Are You Surprised?
Most Raleigh residents are unaware of the many ways mice can present significant dangers to human health and property. We hope this short article has been informative. If you detect rodent activity on your property, or inside a structure on your property, contact Innovative Pest Solutions for assistance. We can evaluate your rodent control issue and guide you in finding an appropriate solution to the problem. Reach out to us. We’re here to help.
