The Common House Mouse
The house mouse ranges in colour from brown, grey to black and measures from 7 – 9 cm combined head and body. They have large ears, a pointed nose, small eyes, small feet, sharp, flat teeth and a long tail that is darker in colour than the body. An adult mouse will weigh an average of 15-18 g. One female can have 5 to 10 litters per year, so the mice population can increase very quickly, with breeding occurring throughout the year. Seeds are the preferred food of mice, but they also like foods high in fat and protein, such as butter, bacon, meat and sweets. Mice feed at multiple sites, often 20-30 different sites each day, taking a small amount of food at each. A typical mouse will consume about 3-4 g of food each day, about 20% of its body weight.
How Do Mice Get Into A Home?
Mice enter buildings from the outside, but many mouse problems can originate indoors. Mice generally nest within 5 metres of the food source and will spread throughout the home. Since mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 6 mm, sealing openings with caulking, mesh or polyurethane foam will help block entry. Larger cracks need to be repaired.
Controlling A Mouse Infestation
A mouse infestation is best controlled with a combination of good hygiene practices and treatment through a licensed pest controller.
Steps For Good Hygiene to Control and Get Rid of Mice
Clean up food spillages Sweep and mop your kitchen floor often to remove traces of food Use tightly sealed food storage containers. Store cereals, grains, pasta, nuts and other dry goods in glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Do not store boxes of food on the floor. Make sure everything is kept on shelves or in cabinets. Keep dog or cat biscuits in sealing containers Fit rubbish bins with tight fitting lids Keep rubbish bins as far away as possible from your home. Remove pet food dishes and leftovers promptly after feeding Keep bird seed in sealed containers Clean birdcages regularly Clean up fallen fruit and nuts from the ground Trim dead fronds from palm trees or fronds that touch the house
Why Have A Professional Mice or Rat Control Treatment?
Reduces the risk of having a major mice infestation and will manage your mouse problem over time A qualified pest control operator is trained to determine the extent of the infestation A regular service/treatment will keep rat and mouse breeding to a minimum. Commercial treatments are more effective as they target the specific mouse species Professional technicians are trained in mouse biology and breeding habits. They know what type of treatment suits the mouse and the environment At Termitrust, we know mice so you don’t have to… Click here to schedule an obligation free quote to get rid of your mouse problem now.
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