Mice & Rodents
Mice
Appearance:
House mice are covered in short hair that is light brown or gray to black in color, with lighter bellies. eir ears and tail also bear hair, although much less than their bodies. Adult mice weigh approximately 12 to 30 grams and can grow up to 20 cm from the nose to the tip of the tail. Droppings are rod-shaped and pointed on both ends.
Biology:
Mice tend to be rapid breeders. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction. Mice are capable of collapsing their skulls and rib cages, which allows them to squeeze through spaces as small as 1/8 inch wide. All such holes should be sealed to prevent entry and reen- try of mice. A pest control professional should be contacted for assistance.
Mice are extremely destructive within agricultural communities. A number of species feed on seeds and grains. e feces and urine that are released will contaminate anything they come into contact with.
Disease Information
Deer mice and other rodents can carry the Hanta Virus disease. It is carried in their secretions and when disturbed, the dust releases spores that are breathed into the lungs. Hanta Virus is a level 4 biohazard that has a 50% mortality. at means half the people infected die.
If you locate a rodent within your home, it is best to contact a pest management professional for removal and identi cation. e presence of one rodent within a home could signal an infestation.
Keep all children and pets away from the rodent. If cornered, the rodent will bite to defend itself.
Prevention Tips
Prevention methods should be implemented early in order to maintain a rodent-free home. Rodents repro- duce rapidly, and small populations become full-blown infestations in very little time.
Keep any possible food sources away from rodents. Small crumbs and garbage are popular sources of infes- tation, as are dry goods such as grains and cereals. ese should be kept in sealed metal or glass containers to prevent contamination. Fruits and vegetables should also be stored properly, and resulting waste should never be le in sinks or on counters. Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests.
