Although it’s rare for mice to bite humans, it’s important to understand what to do if this occurs. Keep reading to find out what to do if you get bitten by a mouse and how mice removal services can help eliminate them from your property.
Do Mice Bite Humans?
Whether you’re dealing with a house mouse or field mouse, the chances of being bitten are very low. In fact, mice are often more scared of you than you are of them. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get bitten. Some of the most common reasons why a mouse may bite a human include:
- They feel threatened.
- They’re diseased.
- They’re trying to defend themselves because you’re reaching for them.
- They’re cornered and have nowhere to go.
This is why it’s so important to keep your distance from mice instead of trying to pick them up or handle them in any way. Contacting pest control in Richmond Hill can help safely and humanely eliminate mice from your home while giving you peace of mind that they won’t return. Keep in mind that a mouse doesn’t have to bite you for you to get sick. Mice carry diseases in their urine and feces, which often get pushed into their fur. Therefore, if you touch a mouse, you’re at risk of contracting a disease.
What Does a Mouse Bite Look Like?
Mice have strong front teeth, which means that their bite will likely cause a sharp pinching sensation. Mouse bites can either cause a single puncture wound or a series of small cuts, both of which can draw blood. They usually occur on the hands or fingers of someone who startled a mouse or tried to handle it.
What Are the Symptoms of a Mouse Bite?
Sometimes, mouse bites are so subtle that it can be difficult to tell if you’ve been bitten by one. Some of the most common signs that you’ve been bitten by a mouse include:
- Puncture wound
- Redness around the injury
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Pain
- Swelling
Because mice are carriers for more than 30 different diseases, bites can cause you to develop a viral or bacterial infection. One of the most common diseases spread by mice is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a viral infection that’s characterized by flu-like symptoms such as:
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
In addition to transmission via bites, hantavirus can also be spread through mouse urine, feces or saliva. Therefore, it’s important to keep your distance and contact mice removal services as soon as possible to take care of the problem.
What Should You Do if You’ve Been Bitten?
If you’ve been bitten by a mouse, don’t panic, as most mouse bites aren’t dangerous if treated immediately. First, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. Be sure to check for any remaining debris inside the wound and remove it as soon as possible. Then, apply hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial cream to the wound and cover it with a bandage. You can also contact your local health center for a tetanus booster shot.
How Can Pest Control in Richmond Hill Help?
While some homeowners may attempt to take matters into their own hands and remove mice on their own, this can cause them to get bitten or contract an illness. In addition, mice are extremely clever, which means that they can often outsmart humans by learning to avoid their traps and coming up with new ways to make themselves at home on their property.
This is why it’s essential to enlist the help of a skilled professional to tackle this issue. Call Truly Nolen today to learn more about our mice removal services and how we can safely eliminate these rodents from your property.