Mice may seem safe because they are small and don’t make a lot of noise, but when they get into our homes, they pose serious health risks. Even though these mice look cute from a distance, they can be very dangerous to our health. We’re going to talk about the secret health risks that come with having mice in your home.
How Diseases Spread
One of the scariest things about having mice in our homes is that they can carry and spread diseases. They carry many different pathogens, so their appearance is a real worry. The following are some diseases that mice can spread:
- Hantavirus: This virus can be deadly and is found in the urine, droppings, and saliva of rodents that are infected, mostly deer mice. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be very bad or even deadly if you breathe in aerosolized particles.
- Salmonellosis: Salmonella can get into food and places used to prepare food from mice. This can cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM): LCM is a virus that is spread by mouse urine and droppings. There may or may not be any symptoms, but some of the more common ones are fever, joint pain, and headaches.
- Leptospirosis: This disease is usually linked to rats, but mice can also carry the bacteria that cause it. It’s possible to get flu-like symptoms from leptospirosis, and in the worst cases, it can damage organs.
- People usually think of rats when they hear the word “rat-bite fever,” but mice can also get it from bites or scratches. A fever, joint pain, and a rash are some of the symptoms.
Responses from Allergies
Not only do mice carry diseases, but they can also make some people’s allergies worse. Mouse allergens are proteins that can be found in mouse poop, pee, and fur. When these allergens get into the air and are breathed in, they can cause allergic responses like
- Problems with the lungs: People who are allergic to mice may cough, wheeze, and have trouble breathing.
- Skin Reactions: Allergens can cause rashes and itching when they come into touch with the skin.
- Symptoms in the eyes and nose: People who are allergic may have swollen or itchy eyes and a stuffy or runny nose.
- Asthma Exacerbation: For people who already have asthma, mouse allergens can make their symptoms worse and even cause asthma attacks.
Damage to structures and contamination
Not only are mice bad for your health, they can also damage your house. Mice like to chew a lot, and they can damage structures by chewing on wires, insulation, and even wooden parts. This costs a lot of money and makes people worry about their safety.
Mice can also make your living place dirty. They leave behind hair, pee, and droppings, which can be a big problem in places where you store and prepare food. As we already said, the pollution can cause illnesses that spread through food.
Effects on Behaviour
Having mice in your home can also affect your mental health. There is a chance that sharing your home with rodents could be uncomfortable and upsetting. It can make you feel stressed out and take away your peace of mind.
Taking Care of the Problem
To lessen the health risks that mouse infestations cause, think about doing the following:
- Seal Entry Points: To keep mice out of your home, seal any gaps, cracks, or holes around doors, windows, and utility penetrations.
- Good hygiene means keeping things clean, especially in places where food is stored and made.
- Get rid of infestations: If mice have already moved into your home, you need to take care of the problem right away. Use traps and baits, or talk to experts who deal with pest control.
- Protective Gear: Wear protective gear like gloves and masks when working in places where mice have been.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you think that being around mice has caused any health problems, you should see a doctor.
In conclusion, having mice around isn’t just a bother; they pose serious health risks. To keep your home healthy and safe for you and your family, you need to be aware of these risks and take steps to avoid them.
At Mouse Control Bolton, We are professional, insured and licensed pest control exterminators who will eliminate mouse presence from your residential or commercial property at affordable prices using the best tools and products available to get the job done.