| By :
Mark Etinger
Mice are frequently pets. You may think that they are cute and cuddly, but there are plenty of problems that come from living with wild mice. It's important to take care of these creatures as soon as you realize they are part of your household, otherwise you may have to invest a lot of money to rid them.. The problem with mice droppings is that they can carry the hantavirus, which when breathed in can be deadly. Mice can chew through wires and cause serious damage to your home and can cost thousands of dollars in electrical repair. First things first, you should get some mousetraps. Place them in corners and along walls, where mice like to run, and bait them with peanut butter or chocolate. Cheese works, but it's not the favorite of these critters, contrary to popular belief. After that, wait. It's important to keep clean wherever the mouse has left its trail. The kitchen is a playground for mice, and they will gnaw through plastic to get into your food. Close all cabinet doors and if you have pet food out, try raising it off the ground a few inches to make it more difficult for mice to reach. Check to see that there aren't any holes in your walls or outside your home. If you have large piles of leaves, remove them and prevent potential mouse nests from lingering nearby. Spackle any holes you see. If you catch mice live and want to release them back into the wild, make sure you drive far away because mice have a very good sense of direction and can easily find their way back home if they are within a couple of miles. If your rodent problem continues, you may have to call an exterminator. Chances are the mice have made camp in your home, and since they have such a short gestation period, usually about a month, you probably have generations of them living in your walls. Don't wait any longer than you have to, since that will just lead to a fuller infestation and a larger exterminator bill. A cat can be a good idea, but don't think that he will solve all your rodent problems. Cats typically like to play with mice for a while before they eat them. And if the mouse is dirty, it can transfer disease to your pet, meaning big vet bills in the future. The best thing to do is to take action immediately, keep your home clean, and hope for the best. Then move on to last resorts. Good luck.
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