Mice and rats are one of the most common types of household pests seen in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as across the United States. When the weather begins to get cold, mice that normally live and burrow outside make their way inside in search of food and warm shelter. While some mice can be kept as pets, wild mice carry serious diseases and any household infestation should be eradicated as soon as possible.

Mice Facts

• Mice are small mammals that belong to the order of rodents.
• The best known mouse species is the common house mouse, or Mus musculus.
• The American white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) also sometimes live in houses.
• The original motivation for the domestication of cats is thought to have been for their predation of mice and their relatives, the rats.

What Diseases Do Mice Carry?

According to the CDC, rodents – including mice and rats, can carry 35 different diseases, some of which can be deadly to humans. These diseases are most commonly spread through the urine and feces of a rodent, but can also be transmitted through rodent bites. The most common diseases spread by rodents include but are not limited to:

• Leptospirosis
• Salmonellosis
• Tularemia
• Hantavirus
• Lassa Fever
• Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
• Hemorrhagic Fever

Because mice have the potential to spread serious and fatal diseases to humans, it is critical to ensure that your home remains free from rodent infestations. A pest control professional can assist you in sealing your home to keep rodents out, as well as handling an infestation already in progress.

Signs You May Have a Rodent Infestation

If you have a rodent infestation in your home, you may never see an actual mouse or rat, even if you set out traps. Instead, you may notice:

• Sounds of scurrying or scratching in your cabinets or walls
• Odor of urine in your home, particularly in the kitchen or other areas where mice are likely to be
• Rodent droppings in drawers, cabinets, or corners

The Problem with DIY Mouse Traps

Many people who suspect they have a rodent problem will head to the nearest store to pick up a few at-home mouse traps. However, these traps can be dangerous. Poisonous traps can pose a hazard to pets and children if they come into contact with them, while live traps and snap traps will allow a mouse to urinate or defecate in an area, potentially spreading more disease.

When to Contact a Rodent Control Professional

Don’t hesitate to contact a  rodent control professional as soon as you suspect you may have a rodent problem. At Jem Intercontinental Services, we can help you safely and effectively eliminate a rodent infestation and can help you take measures to seal your home against future rodent invasions. When rodents threaten to do damage to your home and spread illness to your family, you can trust Jem Intercontinental Services to help.