No matter where you live, chances are good that you’ve had a rodent visitor or two inside of your home. But while a short visit can sometimes pass by unnoticed, even one little mouse can quickly turn into a full-blown invasion.
If you’re concerned that you may have a rodent infestation on your hands, don’t hesitate to take action. After all, infestations can put both your home and your family in danger.
Feeling lost? Don’t stress.
We have all the information you need right here. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide about how to handle a rodent infestation in your home. Let’s get started!
why infestations are dangerous
It’s obvious that rodent infestations are annoying and unsightly. But did you know that they are also dangerous? Here’s how.
diseases
Mice create a lot of waste. And they certainly don’t live alone.
In fact, one female mouse can give birth to up to ten litters per year, and each pregnancy can occur at any time of year.
What does this mean? Even if your mouse problem starts with just one or two mice, it could become a lot bigger and quickly. And the more mice you have in your home, the more waste there is.
Mouse droppings and urine are dangerous and can carry diseases. These ones are the most common:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Hemorrhagic Fever
- Lassa Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis
In order to avoid contact with rodent waste, you must remove rodent infestations entirely.
parasites
Mice aren’t just bringing their waste into your home. They’re also bringing little friends in the form of fleas, ticks, and mites. These pests can travel to you and can transmit illnesses through their bites.
destruction
Rodents may be small, but the damage they can do to your home is not. If you’ve ever heard a mouse scurrying around your house in the middle of the night, then you know about their favorite pastime: chewing.
Whether they’re foraging for nesting materials, sharpening their teeth, or creating a new route for travel, mice are constantly chewing at everything in their path. And when they live in your home, that can mean structural damage, dangerous frayed wires, and unsightly holes.
how do i know if i have a rodent infestation?
It’s not always easy to identify whether you have a full-blown rodent infestation. After all, it is possible for alone travelers to wander through from time to time.
However, there are some tell-tale signs that can help you determine whether you have a problem on your hands. These are the most obvious ones:
- Mouse droppings
- The odor of mouse urine
- Holes that have been chewed
- Mouse nests
- The scurrying sounds of mice in walls
- The unusual behavior of house pets
If you notice any one of these warning signs in your home, call a professional who specializes in mice control. The sooner you can eradicate the problem, the better.
how mice enter homes
Wondering how these little guys are welcoming themselves into your home in the first place? It may take a little detective work to find out. And it’s very important to identify your home’s unique entryways in order to fully rid yourself of these pests.
When you begin your investigation, keep in mind that mice are clever little creatures. They can enter your home through drain pipes, ceiling and window gaps, holes in your roof or foundation, and even sewer lines.
Look for evidence of mice to find out where and how they are entering your home. If you feel overwhelmed, call in the pros for assistance.
how to get rid of mice
So, what can you do to eliminate a rodent problem once and for all? Here’s how to get rid of mice in your home.
take preventative measures
The best thing you can do to rid yourself of dreaded mice problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can start by eliminating their food sources. After all, a dirty kitchen is a mouse’s heaven!
Be sure to keep your house clean of all food particles. Also, keep all shelved food in air-tight storage containers.
Next, block all those entryways you investigated. Use steel wool in entryways to deter mice from coming through. If they try to chew through it once, they won’t try again.
no-kill removal
If you can’t stand the thought of ending a mouse’s life, you can look into no-kill removal methods. Research traps that lure mice in with treats. Once inside, you will be able to relocate the mice.
However, this method is only effective for small families of mice. If you have a large infestation, you will not be able to relocate the mice fast enough to eradicate the colony.
professional extermination
Calling in the pros is the only sure-fire way to rid yourself of a rodent infestation. A professional extermination company will have years of experience behind them.
A professional company can effectively locate and terminate an infestation of mice, no matter how large or small. They can also create a barrier around your home to prevent an infestation from reoccurring.
When searching for a pest control service in your area, look for companies that use all-natural products with a low environmental impact. Also, try to find a business that offers excellent testimonials from previous clients and honest quotes regarding the cost of mice extermination.
wrapping up
A rodent infestation can endanger the safety of your family and your property. Mice carry diseases and parasites and will chew the supporting structures of your home.
Follow the guide above to protect your house and family from harm. Remember to do some investigative work to identify where the infestation is coming from and how large it may be. Then, call a trusted local professional to help remove the infestation safely and carefully.
Do you have any questions or need help? Feel free to contact us! We’re here to help anytime.
