Have you recently toured a home with signs of mice, or hired a home inspector who found signs of mice? Don’t let this one problem turn you off the home completely.
In fact, a study at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that the vast majority of homes in the United States contain detectable levels of mouse allergens. These researchers examined samples of dust and examined homes as part of the first National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing.
They took samples from 75 different randomly chosen areas across the entirety of the country, and included all regions of the country as well as all housing types and settings. They used 831 homes in this study, and the statistic contribution from each home was weighted as necessary to make sure the stats would be properly representative of the United States population. This national study found that 82 percent of U.S. homes have mouse allergens!
It’s not all that surprising that a home, especially an older home or a home that has been vacant for a while, might have a couple of unwelcome furry guests hanging out just out of sight. But don’t fret! There is a chance that there is no current pest inside the home, and that the signs pointing to the contrary are simply left over from a prior mouse inhabitant and were never properly cleaned. If you are sure there is a problem, remember that any pest problem can be dealt with and it doesn’t mean the home is unlivable. Because you discovered this problem so early, you can use it as a negotiating tool and request that the sellers take care of the problem before you move in. No one will think you are being unreasonable for wanting a pest-free home before move-in!
However, because a home is pest free one day does not mean it will be pest free a day or so later. This is especially true once people move into the home and begin providing food sources for the little critters such as crumbs and pet food. It is also common for these cute yet unwelcome pests to move into new digs (your home) once weather starts to get colder and farming scares them into looking for new places to live.
While it is practically impossible to have a home that is impenetrable to mice, this best option is to stay vigilant and bait and trap as soon as possible when needed.
Written by Kaitlyn Troth of Troth Media
The Habitation Investigation home inspection company provides home inspections, mold testing, radon testing, and other environmental testing in the Central Ohio areas such as Columbus Ohio, Springfield, Hilliard, Powell, Pickerington, Pataskala, New Albany, Delaware, Gahanna, Wersterville, Galloway, Grove City, Worthington, Dublin, Marysville, London, West Jefferson, Mechanicsburg. Dayton Ohio home inspection areas include Beavercreek, Enon, Centerville, Northern areas of Cincinnati.
Habitation Investigation is one of the best and most reviewed Home inspection companies in Ohio. The website is https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/
