Are Mice A Fire Hazard?

In previous blogs, we’ve spent a great deal of time discussing mice. We’ve covered topics like whether peppermint oil repels mice, how to tell if you have a mouse problem in your home, and where mice hide. In today’s blog post, we will continue to discuss these small rodents and explore how a mouse infestation can turn into a fire hazard, how homeowners can prevent these risks, and what to do if you’re already dealing with a mouse problem. 

Can mice really cause house fires?

According to fire experts, it is estimated that rodents (not just mice) cause up to 20% of undetermined house and structure fires in the United States each year. But how, you might be asking. Well, mice are notorious for their chewing habits, and unfortunately, they don't discriminate when it comes to what they chew on. 

Mice can wreak havoc by gnawing on electrical wiring. The insulation surrounding wires is a particular favorite for these rodents, and once exposed, the risk of a short circuit and subsequent fire dramatically increases.

It’s not just houses either. Camps left unattended during the off-season are also vulnerable, as mice can go unnoticed for extended periods, exacerbating the risks.

Why are we talking about mice and fires now?

We all know that house fires can happen any time of year but according to the Red Cross, they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when mice and other rodents are taking shelter indoors to escape the cold, snow, and ice that is usually around. 

How to prevent house fires caused by mice

Since a good amount of house fires are thought to be rodent-related and the chances of house fires increase in the winter months, it only makes sense to protect against mouse infestations. 

With that in mind, Advanced Pest Solutions has put together a few rodent prevention tips to help Maine homeowners keep mice out and to make their properties less appealing to these destructive rodents.  

• Seal entry points
  This includes but is not limited to gaps around doors and windows, cracks in the foundation, utility entrances, and holes along the roofline.

• Keep your garage doors shut & sealed
  Many of us tend to leave the garage doors open for ease of use. Unfortunately, we’re making it far easier for mice to sneak inside. Keeping your garage door(s) shut will make it that much harder for opportunistic mice. And if you can see daylight when the doors are shut, you’ll want to seal the bottom with rodent-proof material. 

• Trim vegetation
  Trim back tree limbs that touch the roof or any other part of your home. Also, trim shrubs and bushes around your property. 

• Watch your woodpile
  Your woodpile could play host to mice and in fact are a common nesting site. To prevent this, store your firewood up off the ground and several feet away from your house. Do not store your firewood in the basement or elsewhere in your house. 

• Clear away yard debris
  Remove discarded tires, old cars, equipment, and other items from your yard that mice might use as shelter.

• Maintain a clean home
  Since mice are attracted to crumbs on the floor and unsealed food in the cupboards or pantry, it is imperative that you keep your kitchen and living spaces clean and tidy. Take out the trash regularly and do not fill your outdoor trash cans to overflowing. 

What to do if you’ve already found mouse droppings in your home

Despite best efforts, mice may still find their way into your home. In such cases, prompt action is a must. If you’ve found mouse droppings in your attic, chew marks on a package of cookies, or have discovered other signs of a mouse problem, contact Advanced Pest Solutions for help! 

Offering home pest control services in Monmouth, Gardiner, and Bath as well as communities throughout Central and Coastal Maine, our locally owned and operated pest control company is ready to help you eliminate mice already in your home and prevent mouse infestations from developing down the road.

Protect your home from rodents and other house-infesting pests by reaching out to Advanced Pest Solutions today!