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Mouse and Rodent Facts and Identification

How to Get Rid of Mouse and Rodent Infestations

Illustration of House Mouse

Illustration of House Mouse

House mice are second only to humanity as the most populous mammals in urban areas.

House mice are considered dangerous and destructive pests.

Because they carry and transmit viruses, bacteria and other diseases, mice are considered to be troublesome pests.

Damage

They are commonly responsible for causing damage to personal property and are notorious for commercial crop destruction. In agricultural communities, mice may also be responsible for machine and equipment malfunction. These pests are capable of causing massive losses in commercial farming enterprises, as food that has been contaminated by mice is rendered unfit for consumption.

More information about what mice eat.

Disease

Mice can contaminate surfaces and food sources within homes. Hantavirus is a particular threat associated with particular rodents such as deer mice. The virus is contracted with inhalation of particles released when mouse droppings, urine and saliva are disturbed.

Humans who consume contaminated food may contract a number of mouse-borne diseases, including salmonellosis. Within domestic environments, food contamination may be less obvious and foods may be consumed unknowingly. The constant chewing of mice also causes damage to electrical wires, clothing, books and furniture. They destroy storage boxes, electrical lines and other materials while building their nests.

Reproduction

Mouse populations can expand to include over 200 specimens in a matter of months.

Droppings

The presence of mouse droppings is an early and certain indication of an infestation. These dark, tiny feces are particularly dangerous and should not be handled without the use of gloves and a protective face mask.

Nests

Mouse nests can be located within homes, and infestations become obvious when holes appear in walls and floorboards. Nesting areas may be found in drawers, shoeboxes, storage boxes, under cabinets and other areas that are seldom accessed.

Infestations should be handled swiftly and are most efficiently dealt with through professional pest control methods.

Tracks

Mouse tracks are sometimes visible in dusty or muddy areas, and holes in walls confirm their presence as well as their nesting places.

Sounds

Homeowners experiencing infestations may hear noises at night and smell the mouse urine in areas with poor ventilation.

Contact your local pest control professional to discuss extermination methods.

More Information

What Do Mice Eat

Mice Feces

Mouse Home Infestation

Differences Between Rats and Mice

Resources

Dig Deeper on Mice

What can we do about the mice above the ceiling?

Q

Our basement is finished with JYP rock tiles on the ceiling, and we can hear at times (especially at night) mice scurrying above. What can we do?

Is it a mouse or a rat?

Q

I can't tell if I have large mice or adolescent rats.

What should we do about mice in crawl space and attic?

Q

What should we do besides put traps out?

Is it a mole or a mouse?

Q

No websites give any information on getting rid of one in the house. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mice in the oven

Q

How do you make sure there is no infestation, or that they have been removed? Is it safe to use the oven?

Mouse droppings in the house

Q

We cleaned out the closet by the kitchen where we have seen the old droppings and have not seen any more. Are they gone?

What attracts mice in your house?

Q

What attracts mice in your house?

How to Use Mouse Bait Stations

How to Find a Dead Mouse in the House

Field Mice

Field mouse illustration

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