Mice can be dangerous, but mostly because of disease and property damage rather than direct attacks on people.

Health risks

Wild and house mice can carry germs that spread through their urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting materials, which can contaminate food and indoor air. They are associated with illnesses such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, salmonella food poisoning, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis, although these infections are relatively rare in most households.

Mice also carry parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks, which can transmit additional diseases to humans and pets. Bites from mice are uncommon and usually occur only if the animal is handled or feels threatened, but they can still transmit infection or trigger allergic reactions.

Property damage

Mice gnaw constantly because their teeth grow continuously, so they chew on wood, plastic, insulation, and even electrical wiring and gas lines. This can lead to structural damage and increases the risk of electrical fires in homes.

Even small infestations can quickly grow, since a single female mouse can produce many offspring in a year, making damage and contamination worse over time if not controlled. Because they can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime, prevention and sealing entry points are important to reduce these risks.

Safety tips

If there are mice in a living space, avoid touching them or their droppings directly and do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings, as this can stir contaminated dust into the air. Use gloves and a disinfectant when cleaning rodent-contaminated areas, store food in sealed containers, and contact a pest control professional if the infestation seems more than minor or if anyone in the home has weakened immunity or is pregnant.