Search Articles
Browse Categories
Give Me Shelter!
By Jeffrey Neal
As the weather gets colder, we are not the only ones looking for warmth. Mice especially, are looking for shelter over the winter. Unfortunately, our homes provide the necessities for mice survival: food, water and shelter. Mice can squeeze into openings ¼ inch in diameter and sometimes enter through utility line entrances. In residential situations mice follow warm air currents and food odors from thresholds to find the entrance and in commercial structures, mice are occasionally brought in with supplies/equipment.
What type of problems can mice cause?
Over time mice can damage and/or destroy your property. Mice eat insects and are most attracted to foods with seeds and cereal like consistencies. They contaminate food with their droppings or urine, causing them to transmit disease organisms.
What are some general characteristics of mice?
Generally mice range in total size from 5-8 inches. Their fur color ranges from light brown to nearly black with a slightly lighter or very light cream color belly. A mouse’s tail is as long as the head and body combined. They are very social with an ability to move fast and jump up to 2 feet.
When are mice most active?
The majority of mice are nocturnal and active year round. When inside occupied buildings, mice usually become more active 30-60 minutes after the human activity has subsided. For these reasons, daytime sightings do not accurately reflect the degree of the infestation.
What is the life expectancy of a mouse?
Normally, mice live less than one year. However, in some cases mice have lived as long as six years.
What are the signs of mice infestation?
Gnaw Marks
• Mice have a pair of incisor teeth that grow constantly and are well suited for gnawing. Mice gnaw on wood, plastic, wires, cardboard and waxy substances.
• They make holes typically 1.5 inches in diameter
Droppings
• Mice defecate everywhere they travel and mostly in the areas where they feed.
Tracks/footprints
• These are sometimes seen in dusty areas or outside in the mud near pools of water.
Runways
• Mice frequently use the same paths.
Burrows
• Mice will burrow on the exterior if the conditions include a food source nearby. The burrows are about 1 inch in diameter in a dark and secluded place.
What are the key elements for rodent control?
• Sanitation
• Harborage Elimination
• Rodent proofing
How do you “Rodent Proof”?
1. Trim all tree branches back from structure.
2. Install chimney caps.
3. Seal dryer vents.
4. Tighten crawl space vent covers.
5. Repair door seals (garage doors, etc.).
6. Fill cracks and breaks in the foundation walls.
7. Remove bird seed and dry pet food from garages and storage sheds.
TEST YOUR MICE KNOWLEDGE - TRUE/FALSE (answers below)
1. Mice are color blind.
2. Mice cannot see clearly beyond 6 inches.
3. Although they don’t prefer it, mice can swim.
4. If food and shelter are abundant, mice may not travel more than 4-5 feet from their nests.
5. Healthy female mice can produce between 40-60 offspring a year.
ANSWERS
1. True 2. True 3. True 4. True 5. True
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
“Do not sweep or vacuum up dust if there is any evidence of mouse droppings…. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a potentially fatal viral infection carried principally by deer mice, but also found in other rodents. Humans contract the virus by inhaling the feces, urine or saliva of infected mice after these excretions have dried into dust particles or become dust themselves.”
(Office Of Environment, Health & Safety. No. 26. Rev.8/15/02)
Jeffrey Neal
Jeffrey Neal has a commercial license issued by the State of Massachusetts and has over twelve years of experience in the pest control industry.
Unrated
Comments
- No Comments Found. Submit Comment
|
Article Options |
Share your Opinion and WIN!
Take our quick survey & enter to WIN a gift certificate.