Registered Residential Customers
Manage Your Home Services
© 2026 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the Legal statement
While they might seem like small, shy creatures, rodents like rats and mice are among the most dangerous pests to have in your home or office. Avoiding them isn’t just about being "clean" - it’s a necessity for your safety.
Here is why you should keep rodents away from your living and working spaces.
They Carry Serious Diseases
Rodents are mobile "germ factories." They can spread over 35 different diseases to humans, including:
- Hantavirus: A severe respiratory disease spread through droppings and urine.
- Salmonella: Rodents often track bacteria over kitchen counters and food.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can lead to kidney damage.
- Parasites: They bring in "hitchhikers" like fleas, ticks, and mites that can bite you and your pets.
They Are a Major Fire Hazard
One of the most dangerous things about rodents is their need to gnaw. Their teeth never stop growing, so they chew on anything—including electrical wiring.
- Exposed wires can spark and cause "mystery" house fires.
- In fact, experts estimate that rodents cause up to 20% of undetermined structure fires every year.
They Cause Structural Damage
Rodents don't just live in your house; they eat it. They can chew through:
- Drywall and Wood: Creating holes that let in other pests and moisture.
- Insulation: Nesting in your attic destroys insulation, leading to higher energy bills.
- PVC Pipes: Gnawing on plastic pipes can cause hidden water leaks and mold.
They Multiply at Lightning Speed
If you see one mouse, there are likely dozens more hidden in the walls. A single female mouse can have up to 10 litters a year, meaning a small problem can become a full-blown infestation in just a few weeks.
Simple Ways to Avoid Them:
- Seal the Gaps: Mice can fit through a hole the size of a pencil eraser. Use steel wool and caulk to plug entry points.
- Manage Food: Store all grains, pet food, and snacks in airtight glass or metal containers.
- Clear the Clutter: Remove cardboard boxes and piles of paper, which rodents use as nesting material.
Frequently Asked Question
They spread over 35 serious diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus, and they can cause house fires by chewing through electrical wiring.
Yes. Rodents have teeth that never stop growing, so they chew on electrical wires to keep them short. This exposes the wire and can spark hidden fires behind walls.
Yes. Rodents breed very fast. Seeing one usually means there is a hidden nest with dozens more nearby.
They are flexible and can squeeze through holes as small as a pencil eraser. They often enter through cracks in walls, gaps under doors, or utility pipe openings.
Seal all wall gaps with steel wool, keep food in airtight containers (glass or metal), and declutter areas like basements and attics so they have nowhere to hide.
Experience is everything.
Don't just imagine your business with no pests...experience pest-free with Rentokil PCI.
Contact us today !