Are Deer Mice Really Dangerous?
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When we think of dangerous wildlife, many of us would mention bears, mountain lions, wolves or cougars. Most likely, we wouldn't mention deer mice. When we think of a deer mouse, thoughts of a little critter invading our pantry come to mind. There are never thoughts of a mouse causing us great harm like an attacking bear. Many people do not know that a deer mouse can be a host to the deadly Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Called Hantavirus for short, it affects the human respiratory system.
The Hantavirus was first recorded in the United States in 1993 with most cases being reported in the southwestern states. Studies have shown that the virus is carried exclusively by deer mice. Within the mouse, the Hantavirus is merely a parasite affecting no harm to the animal. Once it enters a human it becomes pathogenic.
Humans contract the disease by coming in contact with fresh mouse droppings, both urine and feces, and through direct handling of an infected deer mouse. The virus is able to survive outside of its host for up to 48 hours. The most common form of infection is through inhalation. Usually an infected person was recently cleaning up an area and swept up mice dropping containing the virus. The contaminant dust was then inhaled sending the virus directly to the bloodstream via the lungs.
To protect yourself from deer mice, there are many effective mouse control procedures. The first step is to seal all possible entry points for mice. A mouse can enter through holes as small as a dime! The most common entry areas are the front and back doors of a home. Over time most door seals deteriorate and leave small openings perfect for mice to enter. Inside the home do everything possible to keep all food sources sealed and organized. If a mouse doesn't find food, it will leave and not return. Outside the home make sure that the yard is groomed, especially plants and grasses near the home’s foundation. Mice are very reluctant to travel over areas with no cover or protection from predators.
If you do notice a mouse is living in your house, there are many different pest control products to eliminate the problem. A word of caution for cleaning up mouse droppings, make sure that you soak the soiled area first with disinfectant before wiping up the mess. This will help to kill any potential pathogens and eliminate the chance of inhaling anything harmful.
The Hantavirus is not the only harmful agent that a mouse can carry. Depending on your location, mice and rats can be hosts to many other sorts of infections or diseases. Rabies is becoming more common in rats within major urban developments. Children in many instances are the first to come in contact with a mice or rat droppings. Teaching them about the risks involved with both these types of rodents and what they leave behind, is a good idea. With some simple prevention, the deer mouse will not be a problem in your home.
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