There are many kinds of pests you might deal with in your Jacksonville home, but one of the most common household pests in the area are mice. While some people like to keep these small rodents as pets, when they get into your home as pests, they can be a big problem. Despite their small size and even cute appearance, they are a damaging and dangerous pest to have around. They are a two-fold problem as they can both damage property and pose health risks. Their tendency to gnaw means they can destroy anything from pipes to wiring to drywall.
But, the biggest concern with mice is that they are known to spread many germs and illnesses. Even though you likely know what a mouse looks like, they can often be confused with rats. To help you tell them apart, here is a brief overview of the characteristics of mice.
- They have short fur and are a light brown or grey color.
- They are tiny and only get to be about 20 cm long.
- Their ears are larger proportionally to their bodies.
- Their tails are also longer than their bodies.
- They can also be identified by their rod-shaped droppings that are pointed on both sides.
Just How Dangerous Are Mice?
While mice might look harmless, they are actually one of the most invasive pests commonly found in the area, and they are dangerous for multiple reasons. They pose many health risks to you and your family including:
- That they can spread over 35 diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus.
- They commonly contaminate food and food preparation surfaces.
- While rare, their bites can cause allergic reactions or spread germs.
- Their fur and droppings can cause allergies and asthma attacks.
- Their droppings and urine are known to make people sick.
A bad mouse infestation can lead to droppings accumulating in walls, attics, and crawlspaces, and this can lead to allergy problems and even illness.
Why Are Mice So Hard To Prevent?
Because of the health risks they pose and the property damage they can inflict, keeping mice out of your Jacksonville home is vital. However, mice are unfortunately hard to keep out and also hard to remove.
The main reason they are hard to prevent is that they can fit through extremely small holes and cracks. They can make it through holes the size of a dime making it difficult to eliminate all access points.
And, once inside, the biggest reason they can be hard to get rid of is that they can reproduce quickly. A single female mouse can have ten pregnancies a year and produce up to 14 pups each pregnancy, so mice numbers can grow exponentially.
While products like mouse traps can help keep their numbers down, they aren’t able to completely prevent or eliminate an infestation.
The Best Mice And Rodent Control
While mice might be a small pest that some people think are adorable, they are extremely invasive and pose many risks. Trying to get rid of mice and other rodents by yourself is a difficult task that’s rarely effective. The best way to get rid of mice and rats for good is to contact the Jacksonville pest control experts at Havard Pest Control. With over 70 years of experience, call on us for total rodent control in Jacksonville, including prevention and removal.