Does Seeing One Mouse In My Chesapeake Home Mean I Have An Infestation?

If you see a mouse in your Chesapeake home, you might have a lot of questions. While some people see a mouse and think it’s just a small, harmless creature, others are rather afraid of them. But the most important questions to ask are whether or not mice are dangerous and whether or not you have a mouse infestation.

House mice in Chesapeake are some of the most common pests that make their way inside of homes. While they can be cute, mice are troublesome creatures. They are more than just a nuisance as they pose health risks and also can destroy property. While some think they are no big deal, this isn’t true at all. House mice are hard to get rid of and they can carry and spread diseases by contaminating food sources and leaving their waste everywhere.

This is what house mice look like:

• They have short light brown or grey hair.
• They have ears that are large compared to the rest of their bodies.
• They have tails that are longer than their bodies.
• Their droppings are pointed at both ends.

How Dangerous Are Mice?

Mice might seem unassuming, but they can cause many health problems for humans. In fact, they are one of the more dangerous pests you might get inside your house. Here are some of the main risks that mice pose:

• They can carry and spread around 35 diseases.
• They can spread diseases through their droppings.
• Mice carry parasites that can cause unique diseases.
• Their fur or droppings can cause allergic reactions.
• Their droppings can cause respiratory problems.
• They often contaminate food sources. 
• They can also pose property damage concerns as they gnaw through things like wires and plumbing.

Mice Prevention Tips

Getting rid of mice can be difficult because they breed so quickly and are so good at hiding. This is why prevention is important. While no methods can prevent mice completely, there are some things you can do to help keep them out, such as:

• Try to seal up openings in the walls or foundation of your home. This can be tricky since they can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime.
• Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Take out your garbage often.
• Make sure outdoor garbage cans are covered tightly.
• Don’t keep pet food outside unless it’s stored properly.
• Reduce moisture in your home by repairing leaky pipes.

Even with prevention tips, mice can still chew through many materials such as screens, drywall, and wires, so it can be hard to keep them out.

Eliminating A Mouse Infestation

If you’ve seen one mouse around your home, chances are good that more will follow as they breed quickly. The best way to get rid of an infestation is to contact the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, Inc. With over 100 years of experience, we can help protect your Chesapeake home from mice and other pests.