Mice are known for their ever-growing incisors, which can cause significant damage to property and food sources. Their teeth never stop growing, so they must constantly gnaw on objects to keep them at a manageable length. This behavior can lead to the destruction of furniture, electrical wires, and even lead pipes. Mice also contaminate food with their saliva and droppings, which can spread diseases to humans and other animals.
The destructive nature of mice has been recognized for centuries. In the Middle Ages, mice were considered to be a symbol of evil and were often associated with the Black Death. Today, mice continue to be a major pest in both rural and urban areas, costing billions of dollars in damages each year.