The house mouse, or Mus musculus, is often referred to as the second most successful mammal on the planet! (According to us, we are #1). This is the most prolific and common commensal rodent encountered in urban environments including Nanaimo, Duncan, Ladysmith, Parksville, and Qualicum. The house mouse is not native to North America, but this single species is ubiquitous around the globe, found everywhere people are. House mouse infestations can range from minor, to extreme, and can include hundreds to thousands of mice in a small area (think office building or apartment!!) The house mouse can fit through cracks and crevices that are only ¼ of an inch, making exclusion very difficult. They thrive on only 3-5 grams of food per day, and in ideal environments can produce litters of 6-8 (on average, but 1-14 is possible) every 30 days. This animal is not to be underestimated!
Deer mice or, Peromyscus spp, are often encountered in more rural areas. This group is native to North America, and some species can be protected by environmental laws in some jurisdictions. This mouse can infest structures, although typically not to the same degree as the house mouse. They have a lower reproductive output, and are often highly integrated into local environments (food, habitat etc.). Caution must be taken when deer mice are suspected, as they are vectors for the rare but serious Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Mice can carry many harmful pathogens, and are vectors for multiple zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans).
For the most comprehensive and effective rodent control, Call Nanaimo Pest Control Today!
Control
- House Mouse control begins with an understanding of their biology and behaviour. Failing to understand these complicated animals often results in control failure and repeated infestations.
- Indoors: trapping, exclusion, and sanitation are the recommended control methods. Poison baits may be deployed when populations are high, or trap avoidance is detected. Multiple control strategies are often required for more serious house mouse infestations.
- Due to their size, mice can be found nesting almost anywhere from wall voids, to refrigerators, to cardboard boxes. Warmth is a key factor to consider when searching for mouse nesting sites.
- Identifying all rodent access points is critical in rodent management. Exclusion is the only long term control strategy for rodents.
Recommendations
- All food sources, indoors and out, should be removed or stored in rodent proof containers. Sanitation is pest control!
- Bird feeders should be removed. Bird seed can be a favourite food for all rodents, and will attract and sustain populations on and near your property.
- Vegetation should be managed to discourage rodent activity. This means cutting at least 4-6 feet from structures, trimming the bottom sides of hedges and bushes to remove ground cover, and cutting all tree limbs away from roof lines at least 4-6 feet.
- All fruit, nuts, and seeds from vegetation should be cleaned up in a timely manner.
If you are having problems or are concerned about mice, call Nanaimo Pest Control to schedule a consultation today at 250-755-6858