Mice and rats can be found in any type of building. They are dangerous because they eat and contaminate all types of food (fresh or spoiled) as well as damage and destroy property. They live in garbage, rubbish, lumber, garages, and refuse containers. They also carry diseases that are health hazards to both humans and animals: typhus fever, Trichinosis, plague, infectious Jaundice, Salmonella food infections, rat mite dermatitis and the Hantavirus.
If you suspect a mouse in your house or work environment, what can you do?
Clean Up
- Do not leave food out.
- Store dry foods (cereals, crackers etc) in sealed containers.
- Garbage should be kept in an animal proof container with a tight fitting lid.
- Store pet and bird food in enclosed containers.
"Mouse Proof " your environment
- Mice need only 1 centimeter (1/4") to enter so plug all holes, gaps and be sure the doors, windows and make sure plumbing pipes are tight fitting.
- Stop any leaks as mice too need a water source.
Monitor. Look for:
- Mouse droppings
- Damage to food or packaging
- Nests: mice rarely travel more than 9 meters (30 feet) from their nest.
Control
- If you see a mouse or suspect mice are around, notify the appropriate person: landlords, department heads etc.
- "Snap traps" can be used in likely spots: under sinks, behind refrigerators and stoves and other appliances, at point of entry, basement areas, attics, false ceilings, and fireplaces.
- Mice usually stay close to the walls so place traps about 2-3 centimeters (1") from baseboards.
- Bait traps with peanut butter, raisins, chocolate or bacon.
- Check traps daily.
More Control
- If the traps are not working, "bait stations" may be needed.
- Talk to your local Health Unit for more information.
Clean up Guidelines
Remember that all mice can carry disease. A Country Mouse can become a City Mouse. This increases concern for the Hantavirus. When cleaning up mouse droppings, use care and follow the guidelines:
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Disinfect and clean up rodent nests and droppings (Disinfectant: 1:100-1:10 dilution of household bleach in water).
- Put waste materials in 2 trash bags.
- Seal and put trash in garbage container for disposal.