Rodents like mice and rats may be small, but pose serious health and property risks. If you suspect a rodent infestation, it is critical to act fast to avoid further damage. Mice, in particular, can lead to major health issues and extensive property damage. Here is why you need to take action before they become a bigger threat.
Health Risks That Mice Transmit
Mice are known to carry various diseases that can seriously harm humans health. They can transmit these diseases through their droppings, urine, saliva, or by contaminating food or surfaces. Some of the most concerning health risks associated with mice include:
- Hantavirus: A serious virus contracted through rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can become airborne when contaminated materials are disturbed, such as vacuuming or sweeping. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and aches which can lead to severe respiratory distress and even organ failure. It is crucial to avoid inhaling rodent waste particles and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
- Salmonella: Mice can carry the salmonella bacteria, which can contaminate food, kitchen surfaces, and cooking utensils. Contracting this virus can lead to food poisoning, which include symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Leptospirosis: This disease is often spread through exposure of rodent urine from direct contact, contact with soil, or water contamination. This disease poses serious health risks, as it can lead to liver and kidney damage. Early symptoms often resemble the flu, headache, aches, and vomiting.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV): LCMV is transmitted by mice usually in the fall and winter months and humans can become infected through exposure to an infected mice’s urine, droppings, or saliva. Contracting LCMV can result in serious illness and can cause flu-like symptoms and even neurological damage in serious cases.
Other Health Threats From Mice
Allergies and Asthma
Mice may be small, but their impact on your health can be huge! Their urine, droppings, and even saliva can be potential triggers for allergic reactions and asthma attacks, particularly in children. These particles can become airborne through cleaning and once inhaled, can cause respiratory issues. In individuals with asthma, exposure to these allergens can worsen symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. Early exposure to rodent allergens has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies or asthma later in life. Rodent allergens can be persistent, often lingering in dust, carpets, or vents even after the mice are gone.
Parasites in Mice
Mice can also carry a variety of parasites that can infest your home and cause further health problems, including fleas, ticks, and mites.
- Fleas: Mice are common carriers of fleas that can bite and cause itching. Fleas can also transmit diseases, which can affect humans if not properly managed.
- Ticks: Lyme disease and babesiosis are diseases that can be carried by mice with ticks. These diseases can be transmitted through tick bites.
- Mites: Mites can be carried by mice and may infest your home. They trigger skin irritation, rashes, and can even cause respiratory issues.
To prevent exposure to any of these diseases or health risks, it is critical to take precautions and make sure rodents do not enter your home. If you notice any rodent droppings or urine around your home, the best course of action is to hire a professional that is experienced at handling rodent infestations quickly and efficiently. Tactical Pest Services is a trusted company in the DFW metroplex.
Property Damage Caused By Mice
The dangers of mice aren’t limited to health concerns, they can also wreak havoc on your property. Their small size and ability to squeeze into tight spaces allow them to do significant damage in a short amount of time.
- Structural Damage: Mice have an instinct to chew on almost anything they come across. From woods and insulation to pipes and wiring, they can compromise the structural integrity of your home, leading to expensive repairs. By chewing through drywall and insulation, they can create gaps or holes that allow for more pests to invade your home. These breaches can also let in moisture, resulting in weakening your foundation and increasing repair costs.
- Electrical Hazards: Mice have a constant need to chew on objects, and this includes electrical wires. When mice chew through insulation around wires, the bare metal of the wire is exposed, creating highly dangerous hazards. This can lead to short circuits, sparks, or even fires if the wires have severe damage. It is not always easy to spot these hazards as the damage occurs out of sight, putting your home and safety at risk.
- Water Damage: Mice are resourceful when it comes to finding hidden places to nest like attics, walls, and ceiling. While nesting in these areas, they often chew through water lines which cause leaks that can lead to significant moisture issues in your home. Over time, these leaks can cause water damage to your drywall, flooring, and insulation, leading to weakening of the structure of your home. Additionally, the damp conditions from these leaks create a breeding ground for mold. This can spread quickly and cause serious health risks for your family.
- Damage To Personal Belongings: Mice can be surprisingly destructive when it comes to your personal possessions, because they will chew through almost anything to build their nest. They can ruin things like valuable items, shred important paperwork, clothing, and furniture. The damage they cause can be irreparable or leave you with costly replacements or repairs. Not only can they make your belongings unusable, but they leave behind a mess. Droppings, urine, chewed-up materials and the contamination of food supplies are all health hazards they leave behind.
Call the Professionals at Tactical Pest Services!
If you notice signs of an infestation or suspect rodents are in your home, call Tactical Pest Services now! Mice infestations are not just a minor inconvenience, they can lead to severe health risks and costly property damage. Our team at Tactical is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively eliminate the infestations. Don’t let a small problem turn into a big one. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and ensure your home remains safe and secure.
