How does a mouse cause harm? - briefly
Mice spread disease agents like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis through droppings, urine, and bites, and they compromise structures by gnawing insulation, wiring, and stored materials.
How does a mouse cause harm? - in detail
Mice inflict damage through several mechanisms that affect health, property, and operations.
Physical injury occurs when rodents chew electrical wiring, leading to short circuits, fire hazards, and equipment failure. Their sharp incisors also damage furniture, insulation, and structural components.
Contamination results from droppings, urine, and saliva that introduce pathogens onto surfaces and food supplies. Common disease agents include:
- Salmonella spp., causing gastrointestinal illness.
- Leptospira spp., leading to leptospirosis.
- Hantavirus, associated with severe respiratory disease.
- Streptobacillus moniliformis, responsible for rat‑bite fever.
These microorganisms survive in mouse excreta and can be aerosolized during cleaning, increasing infection risk for occupants and workers.
Allergic reactions arise when proteins in mouse dander and urine become airborne, provoking asthma attacks and hypersensitivity in susceptible individuals.
Economic impact stems from loss of inventory, reduced productivity, and increased pest‑control expenses. In industrial settings, compromised machinery and contaminated products may force shutdowns and recall procedures.
Mitigation requires integrated pest management: sealing entry points, maintaining sanitation, employing traps or baits, and monitoring populations with regular inspections. Prompt action limits the scope of harm and protects both human health and assets.