Some people find rodents such as mice terrifying to come across, while others think they are adorable and want to keep them as pets. However, while mice and other rodents can make good pets, having wild mice around your Elizabeth City, North Carolina property is unsafe.
The common house mouse is one of the most prevalent and also most dangerous pests in the area. They have adjusted to living alongside humans, and they often live inside both residential and commercial buildings where they can find shelter and access to food and water.
These mice are small at around five inches long, including their tails, and they have brown-grey fur with cream-colored underbellies. They have large ears and big, black eyes, and their tails are long and thin. While they are sometimes mistaken for rats, rats are much bigger. And, even baby rats have shorter, scalier tails and smaller eyes and ears.
Mice can cause more issues than you might realize. In this article, you’ll learn why they are so dangerous and get useful information on preventing them.
The Many Problems House Mice Can Bring
House mice can cause a lot of property damage, which is the first of many concerns. They must constantly gnaw on things to keep their teeth from growing too long. Because of this, they can destroy many items, from plastic and furniture to clothing and wiring. This damage can cost a lot of money to repair, and while the destruction might not seem like a lot at first, it can really add up.
However, while property damage can be frustrating and expensive to deal with, the bigger concern with mice is the health risks they pose. House mice can cause:
- The spread of many different diseases, including salmonellosis and leptospirosis
- They also often carry ticks and fleas, and these parasites can further spread illnesses such as the Bubonic plague.
- Mouse urine, feces, and fur can build up and cause respiratory issues.
- They can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. These risks are even higher for people in at-risk categories like the elderly, children, and those with existing medical conditions.
While they may be small and cute, house mice are no small issue for Elizabeth City homes.
Why Are Mice So Invasive
The other major issue with house mice is that they are one of the most challenging pests to keep out. There are a few reasons for this. First, they can fit through holes the size of a dime and even chew through many materials to further make pathways indoors.
Second, they are quite prolific. Each year, one female mouse can produce over a hundred pups, so the infestation can quickly grow out of hand. Lastly, while products like traps can reduce the number of mice around, they hardly ever remove the entire infestation.
Can You Remove Mouse Infestations On Your Own?
Because mice are harmful to have around and difficult to remove, trying to eradicate them using DIY methods is rarely worth it. Instead of wasting your time and money, let the experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control eliminate these problematic rodents for good.
Our residential pest control plans will handle any current mouse infestations and ensure that no more of these rodents come around in the future. Just give us a call today to request an inspection.