| Mice: What you need to know. |
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Mice are common in all parts of Canada.
If droppings are found near available food or there is gnawed holes in bags and boxes containing food or garbage you have a mouse infestation. Mice are harmful to humans because they contaminate food with their droppings and urine. They spread diseases such as salmonella bacteria (food poisoning), jaundice and typhus. They also carry parasites such as fleas, roundworms and mites. If ever bitten by a mouse receive medical attention. Mice are nibblers and thus tend to make small holes or other slight damage in many places rather than a lot of damage at one place. They cause extensive damage to houses, granaries, restaurants, bakeries and any place food is handled and stored. In constructing their nests mice will destroy fabrics and leather goods and can cause fires by chewing through the insulation on electrical wires. They may feed as often as 15 to 20 times each day and do not require a daily source of water. They can get their daily water requirements from the food source they are feeding on. Mice are most often active in the evenings and their nests can be found close to food, between double walls, between ceilings and floors, and closed in areas around counters. Noises made by their running, gnawing and scratching will provide clues to their actual location. To prevent an infestation of mice make to sure to properly store foods in sealed jars or tins, and seal all openings to the outside, especially around doors and windows. Make sure to visit our mouse page for more information and the Do It Yourself Rodent Products page.
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The house mouse is the most commonly encountered and invasions usually occur in the fall because of the cooler weather and lack of food source. Mice do not die off in cold months, as they are capable of surviving outside in the winter though they generally invade buildings to escape the cold. They are excellent climbers and are capable of entering any building through any hole that is the size of a dime or larger. The average lifespan of the mouse is 12 months. A single female mouse may have as many as eight litters per year, averaging five to six young in each litter. Within 3 months time the young can start reproducing as well.
