A mouse in the house is more of a problem than you think

With the snow, wind and freezing temperatures we’ve experienced this winter, the warmth of your cozy home can become even more appealing not just to you but to mice. 

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 45% of reported rodent problems occur during the fall and winter months. This is because  

mice don’t hibernate at all in the winter, and instead are continuously on the prowl for food and shelter. Your home can become their refuge for keeping warm, finding food and escaping the harsh conditions of winter.  

However, mice pose serious health and safety risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mice can directly transmit 14 different diseases. Mice can contaminate food and surfaces with their urine, droppings and fur, leading to the spread of diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis. Mice are known allergens, and their presence indoors can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. And they can gnaw on electrical wiring, insulation and even the structural components of your home, causing potential fire hazards and costly repairs. 

Here are our top JP McHale Pest Management tips for mouse-proofing your home:  

Keep your kitchen clean — According to the NPMA, 50% of rodent issues occur in the kitchen. Be sure to vacuum all areas of your home thoroughly and pay special attention to your kitchen, pantry areas and wherever food tends to accumulate. Store all food items in the refrigerator and plastic sealable containers.  

Don’t let mice rehydrate in your home — Repair any leaky pipes, sinks, tubs and toilets. Make sure there are no areas of standing water around your house that mice can use as a water source.  

Seal holes, cracks and gaps — Inspect the outside of your home, especially your foundation, exterior walls and roof areas for any gaps, cracks or holes. If you find any openings, be sure to seal them up. No hole is too small. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Rats can fit through a hole the size of a quarter.  

Use rodent technology, not mouse traps — JP McHale now offers the cutting-edge  SMART Rodent Detection and Home Monitoring System. With 24/7 monitoring, SMART provides continuous vigilance against pests, ensuring that your home is always protected and monitored. SMART rodent experts digitally track pest activity in real-time and alert you to any pest activity that’s detected. This technology doesn’t use any sprays, glue or chemical treatments, so there is no risk to pets, children and our planet.  

Wishing you a rest of the winter that is warm, cozy – and pest-free.  

Jim McHale is a Cornell University entomologist and president and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management. For more, contact JP McHale Pest Management at 800-479-2284 or visit https://nopests.com.