6 common questions and answers about mice in the house

Mice in the house can quickly become a real problem. For starters, they multiply quickly! In addition to the damage they can cause to your home, the health risks can be scary. If you see a mouse running through your kitchen, you probably have some questions.

Are mice dangerous?

Mice and rats are known to spread over 30 diseases. You can catch these illnesses through direct contact by handling a live or dead rodent. You can also indirectly expose yourself if you come into contact with their feces, urine, or saliva.

In addition to the diseases they may carry, mice in the house may also:

• Damage your furniture
• Eat and contaminate your food
• Leave mouse droppings
• Ruin the wires within the walls of your home

Although furniture damage isn’t dangerous, it can be costly to repair or replace.

Do mice bite?

One of the most troubling questions when it comes to the issue of mice in the house is people wanting to know if they bite. You already know mice can carry disease, and this would certainly be spread with a bite. The good news is, mice aren’t known for biting. However, if you try to pick them up or touch their nest or their babies, they may bite in defense.

If a mouse bites you, contact your doctor.

How do I know if I have mice in the house?

Here are a few signs that you may have mice in your house:

• Faint smell of urine
• Gnaw marks
• Nests are present
• Scampering noises
• Small, black droppings
• You find holes in things
• Your pets start acting strange

If you see or smell any of these issues, you may have mice in the house! If that’s the case, you’ll want to schedule rodent control immediately.

How did the mice get inside my house?

Believe it or not, mice can fit just about anywhere. They’re prepared to crawl, walk, or chew their way into your home – making rodent control challenging. If you have any small holes, even 1/4 inch, or you have a gap between your door frame or under your door, mice can get in your home.

What do mice eat?

If you have mice in the house, you can be sure they’re taking advantage of your food supply. These rodents are omnivorous which means they need both plants and meat in their diet. The reality is, they’ll eat just about anything.

Since mice carry disease and any contact could spread this, you’ll want to throw away anything that appears to have been eaten. This could be ripped cereal boxes, fresh fruit with gnaw marks, rice, and so much more.

My house is clean. Why do I have mice?

While a clean house may be less desirable to mice, you could have a spotless home and still have mice. At the end of the day, mice are looking for a safe, warm place to raise their offspring. If your home has food and shelter, it could be the perfect place for a mouse family.

Call the Professionals

If you notice signs of mice in the house, contact Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination right away. Do-it-yourself mouse control isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not pleasant. Between their rapid reproduction rate and the health risks they can pose, your best option is to get professional help immediately.