Here in Modesto, there are a number of pests that could invade your home and threaten the health and safety of your family. One such pest, and one of the most common home-invaders, is the mouse. Mice, though they may appear cute or cuddly, are dangerous pests to have around the house. That’s because they can spread a number of diseases and can inflict costly damage to a home if they get inside. As such, you need to know what your options are should these furry pests infest your Modesto Home.
What Do Mice Look Like?
Mice are small rodents that can grow to be a few inches long. They are most often dusty gray or brown and have cream-colored bellies. Additionally, they have short tails and large ears that are covered in a felt-like fur. As rodents, mice have large front incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives. As a result, mice must constantly be gnawing on objects or else their teeth will grow to be too long.
What Dangers Do Mice Pose?
If mice infest a home, there are a number of different issues they can pose that are cause for concern. First, mice are known to carry and spread a variety of diseases by spreading harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens on their fur or with their saliva, feces, and urine. They can contaminate countertops, silverware, dishes, and even food if it has been left out or stored improperly. Diseases that mice have been known to spread include hantavirus., salmonellosis, plague, typhoid, tularemia, RCM, and rat-bite fever.
In addition to spreading diseases, mice can inflict costly damage to a home should they get inside. That is because they need to chew on objects to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. Objects that mice might destroy include wires, pipes, drywall, clothes, furniture, and just about anything else they can get their mouths around.
Mice are also known to carry parasitic pests on their bodies such as fleas, mites, and ticks. If a mouse that is carrying any of these pests gets into your home, it could spread these parasites around which only makes your pest problems worse.
What Are Some Mice-Prevention Techniques?
Given all the concerns that come with a mouse infestation, be sure to take the proper preventative measures to lower your odds of dealing with an infestation. Unfortunately, keeping mice out is no easy task. That’s because mice can fit through incredibly small holes. Additionally, they can chew through certain objects to create new entrance points. Here are some steps you can take to try to keep mice out of your home:
- Store all food in sturdy containers or the refrigerator.
- Take out the trash regularly and store trash in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures in your home.
- Seal any holes or cracks around the exterior or in the foundation of your home.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
What Do You Do If Mice Infest Your Home?
If you have questions regarding mice prevention or if you are currently dealing with a mouse infestation and would like to schedule an inspection, contact the professionals here at Peace of Mind Pest Control. Not only will we effectively eliminate any mouse infestation with which you are dealing, but we will work with you to take the proper steps to protect your home from future infestations. Don’t put your family at risk by letting these rodents run free in your home. Give us a call today.