Seldom Is
A Mouse, Except For Mickey, Welcome Around The House
Despite the universal appeal of Mickey Mouse and his cartoon friends, the fact remains that mice and rats have presented a host of problems to mankind since the beginnings of civilization. The National Pest Control Association reports that there are more than 200 million rats in the U.S.: that’s one for every person.
"By far, the economic losses and health problems caused by rodents are the greatest concern to us," says Dr. George Rambo, Director of Research for N.P.C.A.. It is estimated that rats cause $500 million to $1 billion a year in property losses and health care. Their burrowing causes structural damage undermining our building foundations, collapsing roads and railroad tracks and disrupting sewer lines.
But for those of us who have been unwilling hosts to such furry little invaders, the problems hit even closer to home. Rambo explains that mice often gnaw on furniture or clothing, and are capable of destroying valuable paintings, books and leather. Their razor-sharp teeth can even cut lead pipes and chew through food storage containers.
Aside from the destructive capabilities of mice and rats, their threat to public health must not be overlooked. More than 45,000 rat bites are reported each year, mostly to children. The most spectacular disease associated with rodents is undoubtedly the plague. As the plague moved across the countryside of medieval Europe, millions - an estimated one third of the human population in those days - died.
Nevertheless, their capability for spreading a variety of diseases make mice and rats a cause for concern. Besides disfiguring tissue damage and the loss of blood, the danger of infection from rodent bites is always present.
If you have noticed the tell-tale signs of mice in your home - including gnawed wires, drapes, food storage containers, wood or fabric or the presence of droppings - be comforted to know that there are ways to deal with the critters. In addition to getting help from your pest control professional, here are some suggestions for fall rodent-proofing your home:
- Fill all foundation cracks and holes.
- Make sure crawl space vent screens are intact and have no holes.
- Weather-strip around doors and windows, and caulk around sinks, inside cupboards and around baseboards and bathroom fixtures.
- Keep trash cans tightly sealed and empty often.
- Keep garage clear of old newspapers, insulation, old carpets, grass or bird seed, and folded grocery bags.
- Keep bird feeders as far as possible from house. The seed attracts rodents.