![]() To control mice, you must "think like a mouse," keeping in mind the behavioral traits noted above. Mice are "nibblers" and may make 20-30 visits to different food sites each night. They also are fond of foods high in fat and protein such as nuts, bacon, butter and sweets (an important point to remember when choosing a bait for snap traps). Mice feed on a wide variety of foods but prefer seeds and cereal grains. If control devices are not initially successful, move them around to a different location. Mice are very inquisitive and will investigate each new object placed in their foraging territory. Mice prefer to travel adjacent to walls and other edges- another critical point to remember when positioning control devices. For this reason, traps and other control devices must be placed in areas where mouse activity is most apparent. When food and shelter are adequate, their foraging range may be only a few feet. The most obvious indicators of their presence are droppings (1/8 - 1/2-inches long, dark and pointed at both ends), sounds of them running, gnawing or squeaking, or damage to stored food or materials used for nesting.Ĭompared to rats, mice forage only short distances from their nest - usually not more than 10-25 feet. Mice are nocturnal creatures, and, therefore, are rarely seen by the homeowner. ![]() Mice also can transmit diseases, most notably salmonellosis (bacterial food poisoning) when food is contaminated with infected rodent feces. House mice gnaw through electrical wiring, causing fires and failure of freezers, clothes dryers and other appliances. Food, clothing, furniture, books and many other household items are contaminated by their droppings and urine, or damaged by their gnawing. The greatest economic loss from mice is not due to how much they eat, but what must be thrown out because of damage or contamination. Mice are prolific breeders, producing 6-10 litters continuously throughout the year. Reasons To Control MiceĪlthough most people consider mice less objectionable than rats, mice are more common and cause significantly more damage. Once mice become established inside a home, they can be extremely difficult to control. Homeowners are especially likely to notice mice during winter, following their fall migration indoors in search of warmth, food and shelter. The house mouse is remarkably well-adapted for living year-round in homes, food establishments and other structures. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture ENTFACT-617: Control of Mice | Download PDF | En Español by Michael F.
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