If you were to look at a picture of house mice, you’d probably think they are harmless and kind of cute. Looks can be deceiving, though; these tiny pests can cause a lot of trouble. Between the diseases mice carry and the destruction they can cause, there is no such thing as a small mouse problem.
This type of rodent can be very hard to eliminate and is a common reason people seek help from Katy pest control companies. House mice are prolific breeders and social creatures that can quickly overtake your home. Read on to learn more about the harm mice can cause, what is attracting them, and how to get rid of a mouse infestation.
How Mice And Rats Differ In Appearance
House mice and roof rats are common invaders in Katy. They are both rodents and therefore share the feature of constantly gnawing because of front incisors that never stop growing. There are, however, plenty of differences to help you tell them apart.
House mice are small and dusty gray, ranging from about two to four inches, not including the tail. Roof rats are brown with dark hairs mixed in and are much larger, growing to between six and eight inches, with a tail length equal to their body length.
Because mice and rats try to stay out of sight, it helps to be able to distinguish between their droppings. Mouse droppings are between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch long, rod-shaped, and pointed on the ends. Roof rat droppings are about half an inch long and capsule-shaped. No matter which type of rodent you suspect, immediately contacting a company that provides rat and mouse control services can help protect your home and family.
Can Mice Make You Sick Without Touching Them?
House mice can make you sick in various ways, most of which happen without you coming in direct contact with them. A mouse problem in your home is especially dangerous because of the many diseases mice carry, such as leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), and tularemia.
Most of these diseases come from their urine, feces, and saliva. Mouse droppings frequently contaminate food and surfaces with salmonella, and inhaling the dust of dried mouse feces can cause allergies and asthma flare-ups. Even microdroplets of mouse urine are enough to cause allergies in children.
Factors That Attract Mice To Your Home
Knowing what draws mice to your home can help with future mouse prevention. Here are a few factors that commonly attract mice:
- Easily accessible pet food or bird seed outdoors or in garages may attract unwanted house mice.
- Any cracks larger than the width of a pencil around your home can allow mice inside.
- Garbage cans that don’t close properly will attract all types of rodents.
- Clutter is attractive to mice; it provides good hiding places.
- Shrubs and trees near your house may attract mice to your home and allow them access.
Working with a local pest company that offers mouse control services can help you find the factors attracting mice to your home.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mice in My House?
So if you’re now wondering how to get rid of a mouse infestation, the answer is simple. The easiest and most effective way to eliminate mice in your home is to work with a local pest control company like All-Safe Pest & Termite - Houston.
House mice are not a problem that will go away on their own. Our experienced professionals offer superior mouse control services and can help with mouse prevention for your home. Contact us today to request your free estimate and reclaim your home from these terrible pests.