Jo Walliser had an unpleasant discovery as she opened a box containing clothes donated to Bridge Street Bargains. Mixed in with the clothing was a dead mouse. Walliser immediately threw the box out and did not touch the garments.

This was a smart precaution.

The threat posed by rodents to both our health and property is significant. Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. every winter, and an infestation can cause more than just a headache for homeowners. The real concern is these pests can spread diseases and cause serious property damage once inside.

Mice and rodents chew...