Do mice carry diseases?
Do mice carry diseases? Mice would likely want to visit humans to get food, water, and possibly shelter. In winter, their infestations double as the outdoors become unfavorable. This is something to worry about. That is why the purpose of this article is to tell you if mice carry diseases.
If mice are invading your house, you will notice that so many things in your home will be damaged as they chew and gnaw through wood, paper, wires, and many other properties in their path. Apart from the damages that mice cause, they can also leave their droppings and urine in your food, water, floors, and so on. This might lead you to ask – do mice carry diseases?
Some diseases caused by mice
Mice are absolutely carriers of diseases and infections that can be easily transmitted to humans. Infected mice spread these diseases and infections by contaminating the foods, water, and surfaces that humans touch regularly.
Studies show that a single mouse can carry over 30 different kinds of diseases and infections at once. These diseases have a prolonged effect on humans, so it is good that humans are aware of both the viral and bacterial infections that mice spread. Some common bacterial and viral infections that mice can be hosts to include:
- Hantavirus: The hantavirus is carried mainly by a particular species of mice known as “Deer mice.” They carry the disease in their feces, and it spreads through the air. As humans inhale the particles of their feces in the air, that’s how they contact the disease.
- Plague: Plague is a bacterial infection. It is spread to humans mainly by an infected flea or mice that bites a human. Though, mice bites are rare.
- Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial infection. It spreads to humans when they eat or drink water that has been contaminated by mice droppings or urine.
- Salmonellosis: This is also a bacterial infection. Mice carry them in their saliva and urine. Mice spread the disease to humans when they come in contact with food and kitchen surfaces.
- Lassa fever: This is a viral infection. It spreads to humans when they inhale dust, or eat food, or drink water that has been contaminated with mice droppings and urine. It can also spread by having direct contact with mice, or their droppings, or urine. An affected person can also spread it through contacting other people. Though rare, humans can also get this virus through mice bites.
Keeping mice away from your house
Now that you have seen some of the deadly diseases mice carry, it becomes essential that you look for effective ways to keep mice from your house. Consider investing in suitable mouse repellents to deter mice from your home. You should also make it a habit of wiping food particles away from surfaces, especially in your kitchen and dining room, to prevent mice from getting attracted to these areas. Also, store all unsealed food in airtight containers. We also recommend that you carefully search around your home for possible entry points and seal them off. Mice can chew through plastics and even drywall, so you should seal these entry points with caulk or steel wool.
Concluding thoughts
Do mice carry diseases? Yes, mice are carriers of severe infections. Some of these diseases are deadly. Therefore, it is vital that you take the necessary steps to keep mice away from your house. Consider using a multi-pronged approach, including changing your sanitary habits and investing in mouse deterrents such as rodent repellents and humane traps. Overall, deal with infestations as soon as possible to prevent mice from repopulating and taking over your home.