Mice may seem harmless at first glance, but when they find their way into your home, they can quickly turn from a minor nuisance to a serious problem. In Roanoke, the seasonal weather shifts and charming older homes can create the perfect conditions for these unwelcome visitors. Whether they’re seeking warmth during cooler months or scavenging for food, mice are more than just an annoyance—they pose health risks, cause property damage, and can multiply fast.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you hear those telltale scurrying noises at night to take action. We’ve put together a quick guide so you can understand the dangers of a mice infestation and how to prevent it. Keep reading to learn more about the risks and the steps you can take to protect your family and your home.
Why Mice Infest Homes
You’ve likely taken great pains to make your home comfortable, cozy, and welcoming to family and friends.
Mice, like many other pests, tend to take note and aren’t shy about making your home their home. They often find ways inside in search of food, shelter, and warmth.
In Roanoke, homeowners face several unique challenges when it comes to mice infestation. We enjoy a temperate climate year-round, close proximity to the natural environment, and plenty of historic homes. As temperatures dip in the winter, mice make their way to warmer environments. Homeowners, particularly those in older homes that have developed cracks and gaps, may find themselves with unwelcome guests.
The Dangers of Mice Infestation
Mice, tiny invaders that they are, may seem harmless, but they can carry serious threats to your health and that of your family pets. One of the main dangers of infestation is the spread of disease. Mice can carry diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, which can be spread to humans through mouse droppings and urine. These illnesses can cause fever, fatigue, GI problems, respiratory issues, and in the most severe cases can even be life-threatening.
In addition to health risks, mice can wreak havoc on your property and furniture. They’re known to chew through wires, which can create dangerous fire hazards. They know no boundaries around furniture, insulation, and stored items, and they chew through prized possessions with ease.
Mice also reproduce rapidly. If a suspected mouse problem is left unaddressed, it can lead to extensive infestations, which can make controlling the problem much more difficult and put you at greater risk for damage and disease.
Telltale Signs of a Mice Infestation
Given the risks, it’s important to address a mouse infestation right away. But you may be wondering, “How do I know if there are mice in my home?” It’s a great question! Mice are exceptionally skilled at staying out of sight. Their small size, nocturnal habits, and ability to squeeze through small spaces can make them hard to detect. Luckily, there are some common giveaways that you may be dealing with mice.
Mice tend to leave droppings near their food sources so if you notice tiny, black pellets near food or in cabinets the likelihood is high that there are mice nearby. Other signs of mice include chewed wires, shredded materials left behind from nesting, scurrying noises, and foul odors caused by nesting and urine.
How to Prevent a Mice Infestation
If you haven’t noticed any common signs of mice in your home, congrats! However, that doesn’t mean that you’ll stay in the clear. Mice can reside in your home at any point, and regular, ongoing prevention is key to maintaining a mouse-free house. The following best practices will go a long way in preventing pests of all kinds, including mice:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal gaps, cracks, and holes around doors, windows, and foundations using durable materials like steel wool or caulk.
- Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Declutter storage areas like basements and attics and regularly dispose of trash and secure garbage bins.
- Landscaping Tips: Trim vegetation near the house and keep woodpiles and debris away from walls.
- Routine Inspections: Conduct regular inspections or hire a professional exterminator for early detection.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator for Rodent Control
You’ve sealed up entryways, stored your food in airtight containers, set out traps, and yet still wake up to find evidence of mice in your home. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to call in the professionals.
Professional exterminators have years of experience. They can easily identify any issues unique to your situation and develop a customized plan to eliminate your rodent problem for good. In fact, many exterminators will even offer you a free inspection to give you a clear picture of your problems and proposed solutions. At Bug Man Exterminating, we use the latest and most effective treatments to address problems at any stage of infestation. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, powerful rodent control and sealing entry points to prevent future issues.
Contact BugMan Exterminating
If you’re dealing with a mouse problem in the Roanoke or New River Valley, Bug Man Exterminating can help. We’ve successfully addressed rodent control issues and delivered peace of mind to hundreds of homeowners in the region. Powerful mice extermination is one of our specialties. If you’re dealing with a mouse problem, call us today.