We can feel it in the air…those cool, crisp nights and shorter days. We New Englanders love our four seasons, and we are well aware that the temperature drop we are feeling at night means summer will soon become fall. And fall means getting ready for winter. We will soon be racking leaves, chopping wood, and preparing for those snowy months. This is also prime time for those not-so-cute little mice to be looking for their winter homes. Soon they may attempt to gain entry to your home for the warmth, shelter, protection, and food that can be found inside. Remember, mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel. And once in, they can cause all sorts of problems within the confines of your home. Mice gnaw on wood, paper, cloth, and books, causing damage to your home and its contents. Mice can destroy insulation and chew through electrical wiring, which could enhance the threat of fire. Homeowners can even find mouse droppings in pantries and kitchens. Yuck!
On a more serious note, these mice can spread over 35 diseases! These diseases can be spread to humans directly through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva. Tiny droplets can also become airborne when stirred up in your environment (sweeping and vacuuming). In the United States, mice can spread diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, a virus that poses a particular risk for pregnant women. The hantavirus seems to be unique to North America and a new strain, thought to be spread by the common field mouse, attacks the lung and causes a disease called Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). And the primary means of prevention of these diseases? Effective rodent control in and around your home. Keep in mind that mice are scavengers and will eat any food available, so start by eliminating any food sources and sealing even the smallest entries into your home. Mice populations grow rapidly, and by the time you see a mouse in your home, it may already be time to call the professionals.
If you have found mice in your home or suspect you have an infestation, leave the tough, dirty work to us. Their fully licensed and experienced technicians can safely handle rodent control, clean up, exclusion, and offer structure repair services. Rid your home of these dangerous pests for good with the Good Guys from American Pest Solutions.