Mice and rats are common pests in today’s world. They’re exceptionally hardy and are present in almost every corner of the globe; though they look relatively harmless, both types of rodents are capable of wreaking an incredible amount of havoc on your home or business. Since few people understand just what a mice or rat infestation in their home means, let’s take a look at some of the damage they can cause.

Chewing, Chewing, Chewing

In terms of structural damage, mice and rats’ limits know no bounds. Their ceaseless gnawing can occur on any surface or material — wood, paper, cloth, books, etc. are all at risk in homes infested by these pests. They then use the remnants of this chewing to build nests; they’ve been known to burrow into upholstered furniture, car seats, insulation, and even electrical appliances. As a result, electrical shortages are at very high risk; if electrical wiring short circuits in an area with plenty of kindling (such as your attic insulation), house fires are a serious threat.

Contamination

Unfortunately, the damage doesn’t end at the physical problems. Mice and rats are living animals, which means they need a steady supply of food; they’re as indiscriminate with what they eat as they are with what they chew on and use as nesting materials. If a food item comes in a cardboard box, it’s a double bonus — the packaging can be used for nesting and the food for eating. Despite their size, rodents are capable of eating obscene amounts of food; it’s estimated that the amount of food destroyed by rodents each year is enough to feed over 200 million people. Anything that isn’t consumed or destroyed becomes contaminated. When these creatures leave their droppings behind, everything that they touch becomes at risk of transmitting disease and bacteria.

If you have a rodent problem, you should absolutely seek out pest control services. Whether you’re looking for mice exterminators or are more interested in removing and relocating the minuscule monsters, you’ll be able to find a qualified company to help. Don’t wait; every day that you delay in hiring a mice exterminator is another opportunity to eat something that’s been contaminated or risk burning your home down.