Compared to rats, many people consider mice to be harmless, or even cute. Cartoon mice have captured the hearts of children for decades; indeed, one such rodent (who shall remain nameless) is the international symbol of one of the world's largest and most successful entertainment conglomerates.
But the truth is that mice are filthy vermin who carry serious diseases and have no place in our homes or businesses.
Health Significance of Mice
Because of their closer association with humans and their smaller size (which affords them easier access to our homes and surroundings), mice often present as much of a risk to our health and well being as do their larger cousins. Mice invade human homes and businesses, contaminate our food and our surroundings with their hair, urine, droppings, parasites, and diseases, and are implicated in the transmission of serious diseases including food poisoning, hantavirus, leptospirosis, lyme disease, murine typhus, and the arenaviruses.
Mouse Biology
House mice are small, slender animals whose bodies seldom reach more than four inches in length, from nose to tail. Adults weigh, on average, a bit less than a ounce. Their coloration is predominantly gray, although many variations are possible. On occasion, other mouse species, such as the deer mouse, will enter buildings, especially in the winter months. Deer mice are usually a tawny color, but otherwise resemble house mice.
Mice prefer grain-based foods, but will feed on anything available if they get hungry enough. They are also gnawers who will chew on nearly anything to sharpen their teeth. (Many a computer network has been brought to its knees by a mouse gnawing on a wire somewhere.)
Like all rodents, mice reproduce rapidly. Mice reach sexual maturity in two months or less, and the average female mouse gives birth to between 40 and 70 young every year. Under favorable conditions, the mouse population in a given area can increase at a phenomenal rate.
Mice are quite acrobatic and can squeeze through cracks only as wide as the thickness of a pencil. They are excellent climbers, possess a keen sense of balance, and can swim quite well when necessary. They do not see well, but their senses of scent, hearing, and touch are quite well developed, allowing them to easily navigate through wall voids, cabinets, pipe chases, and other protected areas, emerging only when necessary to eat. The photo on the right shows mouse droppings and nesting materials found in a cabinet drawer.
Choosing an Exterminator
Make no mistake about it: The mouse's economic and health importance, secretive habits, small size, reproductive capabilities, and impressive acrobatic abilities make mouse control a challenging job even for a Pest Management Professional.
Economy Pest Control is an independent, family owned and operated, full-service pest control company serving the Greater Boston area. Presently in our third decade of local ownership, our goal is simple: We want to provide the highest quality professional pest control services, at the fairest possible price. For more information about how we can help you with mice or any other pest problem, please contact us.
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