RODENTS

The house mouse is the most commonly encountered and economically important of the commensal rodents, the Norway and roof/black rats being the other two. House mice are not only a nuisance, they damage/destroy materials by gnawing, and eat and contaminate stored food, they are also of human health importance as disease carriers or vectors. It is thought to be of Central Asian origin, but is now of world-wide distribution and found throughout most countries.

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Recognition:
Adult with head and body length 2.5-3.5" (6.5-9 cm), tail length 2 3/4-4" (7-10.2 cm), weight about 1/2-1 oz (12-30 g). Fur smooth, colour usually dusty grey above and light grey or cream on belly (some mice light brown to dark grey above), but fur colour varies considerably from area to area or location to location regardless of living habits.

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Signs of Infestations:

1. Gnaw marks. New gnawings or holes tend to be rough whereas, old gnawings are smooth from wear.
2. Droppings. Fresh droppings are soft and moist whereas, old droppings are dried and hard; house mouse's about '1/8-1/4" (3-6 mm) long, rod shaped, and with pointed ends vs American cockroach about 1/8" (3 mm) long and with ridges.
3. Tracks/footprints. Front foot 4-toed and print is in front of hind print with 5-toes. Fresh tracks are clear and sharp whereas, old tracks are at least partially obscured by dust.
4. Rub marks are usually less noticeable and smaller in size than those of rats.
5. Burrows. Indoors they often nest in various materials such as insulation. If active, free of dust and cobwebs. Entrance usually with material packed/compressed, rub marks sometimes visible.
6. Runways. Frequently use the same paths, usually along walls, stacked merchandise, etc., and to interior objects. Active runways free of dust and cobwebs, with fresh droppings. Tracks may or may not be visible.
7. Damaged goods. Mice prefer seeds or cereals.

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Control:
The key to any mouse control program is pest identification, sanitation, harborage elimination, and mouse-proofing the building. Control is based on the behavioral habits of mice.

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