Are Mice Dangerous?

The presence of mice and rats in your home or business can be dangerous, while they may appear insignificant and harmless. These rodents are able to inflict extensive damage to your property and present significant health risks to people and pets. Understanding the dangers they pose is crucial to safeguarding your environment from these pervasive pests.

Damage and Dangers of Rodents in Your Home or Business

Discovering rodents on your property can be a distressing experience, but their presence is more than just a nuisance. Here are some critical reasons why they’re considered a grave threat:

• Health Risks: Rats and mice are infamous carriers of various diseases that can be transmitted to humans. This includes severe ailments such as rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and the potentially fatal hantavirus. The risk of contracting these diseases increases through direct contact with these rodents or indirectly via contaminated food, water, or surfaces touched by their droppings, urine, or saliva.
• Property Damage: Rodents possess strong, sharp teeth that allow them to chew through nearly anything, including electrical wiring, building insulation, and structural components like wooden beams. The damage caused by rodents can compromise the structural integrity of your building, leading to safety hazards and costly renovations.
• Pet Safety: Our beloved pets are also at risk from rodent encounters. When pets chase or consume these rodents, they can ingest harmful parasites or catch diseases that the rodents carry. This can lead to various health issues for pets, ranging from digestive problems to severe flu-like symptoms, often requiring immediate veterinary attention. Additionally, rodents can introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into your home, further endangering your pets’ health and comfort.

Despite their tendency to avoid conflict and flee rather than fight, rats and mice can still pose a danger because they can bite when threatened.

Do Rats or Mice Bite?

Yes, indeed – rats and mice can and do bite, particularly when cornered or feeling threatened. Although many rat bites may be minor, they can lead to more serious injuries. These bites are not only painful but can serve as conduits for transmitting diseases to humans. Mice species like the deer mouse are known carriers of the Hantavirus, which can be spread to humans through bites. Other mice can transmit rat-bite fever, another serious disease. Bites can lead to infections that require medical treatment and can have long-term health implications.

What to Do When You Spot a Mouse or Rat

To keep rodents out and away from your property, our top tips include the following:

• Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
• Keep rodents out of your food by securely storing it in sealed containers.
• Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
• Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
• Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
• If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
• Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Russell’s Pest Control Handles Mice and Rats for You

At Russell’s Pest Control, we understand the severe implications of rodent infestations. With over 50 years of experience serving the Knoxville community, our team of expert rodent exterminators is well-prepared to tackle even the most daunting pest challenges. Our approach goes beyond merely removing visible rodents. We employ comprehensive strategies to prevent future infestations, ensuring your property remains safe and clean.

Our services include a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points and nesting sites, effective removal of existing rodents, and implementation of preventative measures to keep them from returning. We use safe and humane methods to handle rodent problems, prioritizing the health and well-being of your family and pets. 

Your home or business deserves the highest level of protection, and we are here to provide it. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a more peaceful environment.