Mice | a-d-a-pest-control

Mice

The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome and economically important rodents in the U.K. House mice live and thrive under a variety of conditions. They are found in and around our homes and farms as well as in open fields and agricultural lands. House mice consume and contaminate food meant for humans, livestock, or other animals.

They cause damage to structures and property, and they may transmit diseases such as salmonellosis (food poisoning). Recognizing Mouse Infestations; Droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests, made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence. Mice are occasionally seen during daylight hours.

House Mouse (Mus musculus)

House mice have an adult body length (nose to base of tail) of 7.5–10 cm and a tail length of 5–10 cm. They vary in colour from white to grey to light brown to black.

Control Management

Mice tend to nibble, so expect a longer period of time to get control of them with poison. Also, poison may cause rodents to die in inaccessible areas leaving unpleasant odors of decaying carcasses. Children and pets should be kept away from poison baits. Although house mice usually feed on cereal grains, they will eat many kinds of food. They are sporadic feeders, nibbling bits of food here and there. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell, and touch.

They are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface. They will run horizontally along wire cables or ropes and can jump up 13 inches from the floor onto a flat surface. Mice can squeeze through openings slightly larger than 1/4 inch in diameter.
In a single year, a female may have five to ten litters of usually five or six young each. Young are born 19 to 21 days after mating, and they reach reproductive maturity in six to ten weeks. The life span of a mouse is about nine to twelve months.

Control Methods

Rodenticides

Trapping

Proofing