When you’re sitting toasty warm by the fire, the last thing you want to see is a scurrying dark shape in your home. Despite what you see in pet stores, mice aren’t so cute when they’re hiding in cereal boxes. Learn what you need to know about mice in the winter and how to deal with an infestation.
The Dangers of Mice in Your Home
Mice like the indoors for the same reasons we do. Their survival requires warmth, shelter, and food. However, don’t let that fool you; once they are in your home, they can be challenging to get rid of and present a real danger to you and your family.
Mice may have diseases that can contaminate your food and home. Their feces and urine are full of pathogens like dangerous bacteria. If that isn’t bad enough, they can carry harmful bugs and ticks that are a health risk to you and your family.
They also do real damage to homes. They tend to burrow behind walls to make nests, and when they’re there, they breed very quickly. Before you know it, one or two mice turn into 10 or 20. They also chew through wires, which can be a huge fire hazard. Don’t be fooled by their cuteness — mice are dangerous pests.
Want to know what rodent you’re dealing with? Read our easy guide here to learn more.
How to Eliminate the Infestation
A mouse-free home begins with a clean house. Keep food tightly sealed in plastic bins that are tough for mice to chew through. It’s said that pepper extract, balsam fir, peppermint, and castor oil are deterrents, but they aren’t 100% reliable.
Mousetraps can be one way to manage the problem, and there is a variety on the market. Baits can also be a good choice as mice carry them back to the nest; however, this can result in other problems. The poison in baits is dangerous to your pets, and dead mice can cause health risks if they’re stuck in enclosed spaces. If you’re going to use baits or poison, it’s best to make sure that they are applied by a professional.
Call In the Pros to Keep Mice Out for Good
A professional exterminator possesses deterrents and removal strategies you can’t find at the local store. They can use baits that will take care of an infestation without the smell of rot. They also can track down the nests and exterminate them at the source. Further, a pro can look at your house and advise you how to seal it off to keep pests out for good.
If you have mice problems in your home, contact Dr. Death Pest Control today!