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You are going about your day, making dinner for your family or running a load of laundry, when you hear it. Tiny scratching sounds above your head. You can’t see through walls and ceilings, of course, but you know what that sound means. Mice.
Dealing with a mouse infestation is never something you plan into your daily routine, but it will quickly become a top priority.
Once you hear the mice moving around above your head, you may shut your eyes and wonder, “Can I ignore mice in the attic, and will they just go away?” Unfortunately, you should never turn a blind eye to a potential mouse problem.
Having a mouse infestation is a nuisance, and it can even be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Learn more about mouse infestations below and what to do about them.
Mice are natural prey animals, which means they are at the bottom of the food chain. That also means that they are always on high alert to protect themselves and their offspring. While mice are known to burrow under exterior structures like sheds or under debris piles, they will also seek out your home for protection.
Just like you rely on your home for warmth, safety, and comfort, those pesky mice will see all of those benefits too. This is especially true for your attic space. It offers protection from the elements, it provides a barrier from being hunted, and it is often undisturbed. All of these benefits come together to boast a perfect nesting location for your nearest mouse family.
Unfortunately, mice are sneaky, and they can get into your attic in a variety of ways. Some of the most common entry points include:
Once inside, your attic becomes even more enticing! It offers insulation for bedding, cluttered areas for secluded nests, and even potentially food sources if your attic has stored stable food.
Your home is designed to keep your family safe and secure, but it isn’t designed for mice. If you have mice in your attic, your problem will only get worse the longer you ignore it.
To start, mice won’t be nearly as nice to your house as you are. They will rip apart insulation, tear into your boxes and bags, and gnaw on your electrical wires. This extensive damage can lead to more serious issues like damaged insulation, structural integrity problems, and even electrical hazards.
Mice will also use your attic space as their bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom all in one. Urine, droppings, hair, and other hazardous material will build up over time, leaving stains and a significant biohazard problem.
Did you know that mice can carry a variety of dangerous diseases? For example, mice can carry hantavirus, which is a potentially deadly viral infection that 10-20% of all field mice carry.
Hantavirus is transmitted through aerosolized virus particles, so inhaling contaminated air can make you really sick. If it is not caught in time, it can even result in death.
This is why you should never ignore mice in your attic! Doing so puts your entire family at serious risk.
Knowing what to look for when it comes to a mouse infestation is essential for stopping one in its infancy. Signs of a mouse infestation in your attic include:
If you notice any of these issues, a quick response is necessary to prevent attic damage and to reduce your risk of illness. However, don’t attempt to remove the infestation on your own.
Just like having mice in your attic is dangerous, coming into contact with them is also dangerous. Hantavirus can be transmitted through direct contact, so touching an infected mouse or being scratched by one can make you sick.
You can also transmit the infection through touching contaminated nests and droppings. Letting a professional handle the mouse removal is a great way to keep yourself safe during the entire process.
DIYing a mouse removal can also result in the mice simply coming back once you leave the space. Sealing entry points and humanely removing the mice ensures they can’t come back in. However, missing even the smallest hole somewhere in your attic will make your entire removal attempt unsuccessful.
Call a professional pest removal team as soon as you discover a mouse infestation or suspect one. They will be able to jump right into action to locate the source of the infestation and to tackle it completely.
Professional and licensed teams will also prioritize humane removal methods instead of extermination. This helps protect local wildlife populations while also securing your home.
To start, the team will don their safety gear with full protective suits, gloves, and air respirators to stay protected. Then, they will locate the infestation and the entry point(s). While some of the team removes the mice, others will work on sealing up wiring holes or adding screens over vents. These methods allow your home to function as it should without the risk of another infestation.
Once they are gone, you can rest easy knowing they won’t be able to get back into your home the same way. Unfortunately, these crafty critters may find another way in if you aren’t careful. Keep mice out indefinitely using these tips:
These simple tips go a long way towards avoiding a frustrating mouse problem. However, if you do find mice in your attic one day, call the team at Master Attic right away for a professional removal.
Don’t ignore a mouse infestation! Call the team at Master Attic at (800) 285-4009 immediately for a swift and thorough mouse removal.
Meta: Ignoring a mouse infestation is never a good idea. Master Attic explains the dangers of ignoring mice in your attic.
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