🐀🚫 Pest of the week: Mice! 🚫🐀
House mice, scientifically known as Mus musculus, are small rodents with grey or brown fur, pointy noses, large ears, and long tails. They typically measure around 7.5 to 10 cm long, excluding the tail. Despite their small size, these little creatures can cause big problems.
The Damage They Cause
Mice are notorious for their destructive behavior. They can gnaw through walls, wires, and nearly anything else that stands in their way - this includes valuable property and essential home structures. They also pose significant health risks. Mice can spread diseases such as salmonellosis, hantavirus, and the plague through their urine, droppings, and saliva.
Signs of Infestation
The signs of a mouse infestation include:
Droppings: Mouse droppings are typically tiny, about the size of a grain of rice, and scattered randomly.
Gnaw Marks: Mice have strong teeth and will gnaw on a variety of materials. Look for marks on food containers, wooden structures, and wires.
Noises: Mice are nocturnal creatures. You may hear them scurrying in the walls or ceilings during the night.
To prevent an infestation, seal any potential entry points, as mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and food storage areas, to eliminate any potential food sources. If you suspect a mouse infestation, it's important to act quickly to minimise the potential damage and health risks.
