Have you just moved to a new California home? That must be exciting! But don’t revel in the joys of decorating your new home just yet! You must make sure there are no any uninvited guests squatting with you and your family. Mice, rats, and other pests don’t just happen to other people. Your new home could be harboring them somewhere. You must make sure that everything is alright before you can let the excitement overwhelm you. And if you notice even the slightest sign of a rodent infestation, you must act immediately. The issue will not solve itself, and as the time goes by, it can only get worse. And even if you don’t mind sharing your home with these tiny animals, keep in mind that ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home can have bring serious health consequences, lower your quality of life, and damage your house.
Health Hazards Posed by Rodent Infestations
Everybody wants a safe and healthy home. It makes perfect sense. The place where you live should be your oasis. This is where you should enjoy some well-deserved peace and comfort after a long day at work. It is a place where your kids should grow healthy and happy. With pests sharing your nest, this becomes difficult.
Rodents can transmit some serious diseases, including:
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonella
- Hantavirus
These diseases are particularly harmful for people with a weakened immune system, children, and the elderly. What is worse, you don’t even have to be in direct contact with mice or rats to contact some of these illnesses. They are typically transmitted through an infected animal’s saliva, droppings, or urine.
It is evident that ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home can be very hazardous. You must deal with the issue the moment you notice it, and it is always best to hire professionals to handle it. DIY attempts are usually not effective enough. And of course, even if there are no signs of rodents, do whatever you can to prevent the infestation.
Caption: Ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home can create a lot of health risks.
Alt-tag: Professional at work.
Structural Damage of Your Home and Costly Repairs
Apart from your health, a rodent infestation also endangers your home. Rats will gnaw wood (including structural beams), insulation, plumbing, cables, wiring, etc. As a result, they can cause significant damage to your new home. Their teeth keep growing and need to be sharpened, so nothing in your house is off the limits for them. If you’re facing an infestation, damage can escalate quickly. The last thing you want is to turn into a money pit that requires extensive (and expensive) repairs soon after moving in.
That is why prevention is the best method for your peace of mind. Instead of dealing with the problem when it happens, prevent it from happening in the first place. So, when you plan your relocation to your new address, ensure your home is adequately protected before you bring in all the moving boxes. Of course, this may not always be possible, especially with last-minute moving. So, if you’re moving on short notice, there may not be enough time to arrange for the rat extermination service to come and secure your home. But this task should be on the top of your list soon after relocating into your new California home.
Electrical Damage and Fire Hazards
As we’ve mentioned, rats will chew on anything. Electrical wires are no exception. But apart from requiring costly repairs, it’s also dangerous for another reason. This type of damage can cause an electrical fire and may even lead to your home burning down. Not to mention that it poses a huge risk for your and your family’s safety. Ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home can have dire consequences. That is why it’s vital to keep rats away from your house and to react quickly if you see one.
Caption: The risk of electrical fire is a real danger.
Alt-tag: A person fixing electrical wiring after ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home.
Contamination of Food and Belongings
Once in your home, rats and mice can go everywhere. Even if it seems they couldn’t have possibly reached a certain area, don’t be so sure. They can bite through almost anything and climb up the walls. That means they can easily reach your food and other belongings. Since they spread diseases through their waste, they may contaminate food. If you or your loved ones eat that food, it can lead to serious food-borne illnesses in addition to the ones rats already carry.
Besides contaminating your food, mice and rats can also cause damage to your other belongings. This includes furniture, clothes, books, and valuable items. Not only would these items be contaminated, but it may be expensive to replace them. Plus, many of these items may have sentimental value and be irreplaceable.
Psychological and Emotional Impact
While health hazards are your primary concern when dealing with rodent infestation, not only physical health is at risk. On the contrary, having rats in your home also has a significant psychological and emotional impact. We often associate rats and mice with negative feelings such as disgust and fear. Your home should be your sanctuary, where you feel safe and comfortable. And with rodents around, it isn’t easy to relax and rest.
The longer you ignore the problem, the more stressed and worried you feel. These feelings can then lead to anxiety and sleepless nights, creating a vicious circle. Add the physical damage, contamination, and other dangers to all that, and you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Caption: While they may seem cute in nature, you don’t want them inside your home.
Alt-tag: A mouse outdoors.
DIY or Professionals?
Although there is a lot you can do to protect your home from these unwelcome guests, there’s no certain DIY method. Taking measures such as keeping your house and yard clean, blocking common entryways, etc., is a good start. However, if you want to mice and rat-proof your home completely, opting for professional help is a better choice. Rat extermination experts have all the knowledge and tools to make your new home completely safe and rodent-free.
Enjoy Your New Home Care-Free!
As you can see, it’s best to make sure your home environment is safe and healthy before moving in. Rats and mice are a common issue, and they pose various risks in many households. Ignoring a rodent infestation in your new home can lead to physical and mental health issues, a lot of damage, and costly repairs. So, if you see any signs of it, don’t hesitate to take proactive steps to solve the problem!
