For many people, a household mouse is something that simply pops up every once in awhile. While certain factors can contribute to the presence of a mouse in one home over another (specifically, sanitation, or a lack thereof), it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint how a mouse has managed to get in to a specific place of residence. People who live in apartment buildings are generally more likely to get mice, though this isn’t to say that standalone houses don’t also get their fair share of rodent visitors.
People tend to have varying reactions to the presence of a mouse on the premises. When some people notice a mouse, their initial reaction might be to jump up on a chair or couch, scream loudly, and then run to the nearest hardware store to purchase a set of traps. Others, however, tend to react less harshly to newly-discovered mice, and can calmly devise plans to get rid of the little critters before they cause trouble.
Despite the various degrees of frenzy that might ensue following the discovery of a mouse, most people are on the same page in that the little guy has to go. However, not all folks with unwanted guests end up feeling that way. There are certain people – albeit a select few – who, upon discovering a mouse, decide to embrace their newfound friend. Some have been known to go so far as to specifically leave food out for their little buddies, and designate “mouse-friendly” areas in corners of the home.
As nice as it might be to adopt such a humane approach to mice on the premises, the idea of welcoming a mouse into your place of residence is truly a bad idea. Vic Palermo is president of Ultra Safe Pest Management Inc., a Boston area company specializing in various methods of pest control, and he warns people that while mice might be portrayed as cute and friendly in cartoons, in reality, they are dirty, disease-carrying creatures that you’ll definitely want to keep far away from your home.
One thing that most people don’t know about mice is that they are one of the most rapidly producing creatures in the world. By letting your household mouse live in peace, and by giving it easily-accessible food on a regular basis, you’ll be doing your part to allow it to multiply. In fact, statistically speaking, 30 mice in a clean environment can, when left alone, turn into 3,000 mice within a 60-day window. Therefore, unless you’re looking to take in a whole extended family of mice, you’re best getting rid of your single visitor before he and his crew take over the house.
Another thing that many people simply aren’t aware of is the fact that mice can carry a host of dreadful germs and diseases. A single mouse has the potential to introduce hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other such serious ailments into your home environment. Mice also tend to carry fleas, and their droppings can trigger asthma attacks for those who have the condition. Since mice have a tendency to scurry about and make themselves at home, they usually manage to leave their germs – and sometimes their droppings – all over the premises, including tables and kitchen countertops. This means that if prepare food in a spot where your mouse buddy has recently been, then you could introduce nasty mouse germs into your food, and into your body. So as cute and innocent as that household mouse might seem, it’s best to get rid of it and avoid the various health risks inherent in keeping it around.
As tempting as it might sound to be that person to adopt your household mouse, name him Mickey, and enjoy a happy little existence together, you should know that by doing so, you’re putting yourself and the other members of your household in actual health-related danger. If you really can’t bear the thought of killing or disposing of the little critter yourself, then contact a trusted pest management company and have someone else take care of the problem for you. Remember, despite what television might have taught you, mice are dirty, germ-ridden creatures that have no place being in your home. So if the idea of saying goodbye to your little friend is one that leaves you sad and lonely, then go out and get a dog, or a cat, or a bird, or any other household pet that won’t harm you by being there.
