Summer is typically associated with leisure and enjoyment. However, while we’re out enjoying the sun during the day, nocturnal creatures are likely savouring their nights in our homes. The real issue is why mice enter residences during the summer. And not just rodents, but rats as well.
It is a widespread misconception that mice and rats only penetrate homes during the winter. In order to escape the summer heat, these rodents frequently seek out cool locations, such as kitchens and food pantries.
Mice and rats are in quest of food, water, and shelter, and our homes are the ideal environment to provide them with all three. Summer is typically the most active season for rodents, relative to other seasons. It is essential for their survival that they move from their winter and spring nests to locations where they will be more comfortable in the summer temperatures.
How are rodents and rats able to enter my home?
Rats can squeeze through holes half an inch wide, while mice can squeeze through apertures a quarter of an inch wide. In order to escape the summer heat, they will take up residence in your attic, crawl space, and even behind your refrigerator.
They are more than capable of gnawing through drywall, insulation, and wood if there is no opening for them to enter. Additionally, mice and rats will gnaw through electrical and automotive wiring, thereby increasing the risk of fires.
Why is a rodent infestation so dangerous?
Rodents are known to contain several diseases that they can transmit to humans. Mice and rats are known to transport at least ten distinct diseases that can rapidly infect surfaces and floors through their urine and feces. Here are some of the diseases they are capable of transmitting:
- Murine typhus
- Salmonella
- Rat Bite fever
- Bacterial Food Poisoning
- Hantavirus, which can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), is a disease carried by these insects that should be taken very seriously. HPS is a severe and occasionally fatal respiratory disease affecting humans. Click here for more information on HPS from the BC Centre for Disease Control .
Also on rodents
In general, rodents are nocturnal, with peak activity occurring immediately after dusk and again just before dawn. Inside inhabited structures, they typically become active 30 to 60 minutes after human activity ceases for the evening.
Two days after giving birth, female mice are able to become expectant again. Their offspring can cause a significant infestation during the summer months and can gnaw on nearly anything.
7 mice prevention tips to prevent infestations
As a homeowner, you can do a number of things to prevent a rodent infestation around your home and property.
- Maintain your lawn and shrubs by trimming and pruning. Outdoors is where rodents prefer to build their nests.
- Keep all vegetation, particularly tree limbs, away from the roof or even from your home. Rodents can access your residence by climbing tree limbs that are in contact with your roof.
- To prevent rodents from nesting on your property, remove all litter from your yard, including wood piles, detritus, etc.
- Do not stack any materials near or in your residence or garage.
- Food must be kept in secure containers. Rats and mice can chew through cardboard and plastic packaging.
- Maintain and clean garbage areas.
- Ensure that the gutters and drainage system are working adequately and that there are no clogs.
Don’t let uninvited rodents into your home this summer. For more information on preventing mice and rats from entering your home, contact 1st Pest Control for a detailed inspection of your property.
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