Unfortunately, if you’re a Raleigh, NC homeowner, you’ll likely have to deal with rodents at one point or another. While this isn’t always the case, mice and rats are two of the most prevalent pest species in the area, and they are adept at living alongside humans and getting into their residences. But, while they may be small in stature, these rodents can cause significant problems.
The common house mouse is a major concern for area homeowners. Over time, the house mouse has adapted to life with humans, and they use our dwellings for shelter and access to food and water. These mice will eat any and all food items they find, including small crumbs left behind, and even pet food. Most mice infestations are caused because of the available food sources found throughout the house.
While mice may look cute on the outside, close proximity with them is very risky for humans as mice can pose health risks and cause property damage. Read on to learn more about mice, the problems they bring to the homes they infest, and what you can do to avoid these pests and the many issues they cause.
What Do House Mice Look Like?
You’ve probably seen the common house mouse before, but they can look similar to other rodent species. To help you identify house mice, these are the things you should look out for:
- First of all, they have thin, long tails covered in fur, while rats have shorter, scaly tails.
- Second, their faces are somewhat triangular in shape.
- Third, the house mouse is a brownish-grey color with a cream-colored underbelly.
These factors should help you identify a house mouse should you see one in your home. Unfortunately, mice are cautious creatures that typically only come out at night while humans are sleeping. If you see a live mouse in your home, it means that the infestation has likely become fairly large and it has forced them out in the daylight.
Just because you do not see them, does not mean they are not there! In fact, their ability to hide is usually the reason an infestation can go undetected for long periods of time. The longer an infestation goes undetected, the more damage these pests are able to cause.
What Makes These Mice So Dangerous?
While some pests in Raleigh, NC are essentially harmless, the house mouse does not fall into that category. They are unsanitary and can contaminate food and any surfaces they come into contact with, but the real problem with mice is that they can spread a number of dangerous illnesses.
The house mouse can transmit diseases including tularemia and salmonellosis, and they also commonly carry fleas, which cause their own set of issues.
On top of the risk of disease, mice can also make you sick through their droppings, fur, and urine. Over time, the buildup of mouse feces can lead to respiratory issues for people that share homes with them, in addition to allergic reactions and other adverse health effects.
Are Mice Easy To Prevent?
Unfortunately, mice and other rodents are extremely difficult to prevent and control completely. For one thing, a house mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime, so it can be nearly impossible to seal up every crack and crevice that they could potentially squeeze through.
The other reason they are hard to control is that they are so prolific. Mice reproduce rapidly, and just one female mouse can have nearly 150 pups each year. Once they get into your home, their numbers can quickly grow out of control.
While many people try things like traps to remove infestations, these measures are only a band-aid. Traps can reduce the number of mice in your home, but they aren’t going to remove the entire problem. Other products, such as bait, can be dangerous to pets and children.
What Is The Best Way To Control Mouse Infestations?
While trying to handle mouse and rodent prevention on your own is often a waste of time and money, there is one effective way to control these infestations: the help of a certified professional.
The experts at Innovative Pest Solutions offer ongoing residential pest control services that will stop rodent infestations before they start. And, if you are already dealing with mice or rats in your home, we can remove them quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to find out more about how Innovative keeps homes safe from rodents in Raleigh and beyond!
