The Mouse

House Mouse - Mus Domsticus

History

This species originated from central Asia. The House mouse has been in this country since the 9th century but how the rodent actually came to the UK remains a mystery. With the increase in agricultural practices, this mouse has thrived on increased food storage and nesting areas.

Habits

Unlike a rat the house mouse doesn’t depend on the consumption of water on a daily basis, it can survive on food with a moisture content of just 15%. The house mouse prefers to feed on wheat and grain.

Key features

Typically this species is a brown and grey colour with a light underside. It also has large prominent ears and small black eyes. The tail is also a light colour and is just shorter than the body in length.

Biology

The females produce between 5-8 litters a year with each litter size between 4-8. The house mouse reaches full adult maturity in approximately 6-8 weeks and has a average lifespan of 3-4 months.

Rodent control methods

Prior to carrying out any treatments against rats or mice a full survey of the property or site must be undertaken. The survey consists of, locating the entry points, feeding areas and measuring the scale of the infestation. Adjoining areas are also included in the survey.

With the background knowledge and behaviour of these rodents identified the survey includes details of holes, droppings, damage and nests.

Bating techniques

After the survey has been completed a baiting programme is introduced. The main concern of the pest controller is laying rodenticides without endangering non-target animals or humans. If at all possible any baits laid must be out of sight and non-accessible. If the baits have to be out in the open tamper resistant bait stations must be used.

Examples of baiting locations

Rats and mice favour food storage and preparation areas such as kitchens and pantries. Areas of warmth such as bathrooms and airing cupboards also provide ideal harbourage. In all of these areas safeguarding baits are essential. Tamper resistant bait stations should be used in all of these locations. These bait stations should be placed under or behind kitchen fittings and pipe work, kitchen appliances such as cookers and fridges also need bait stations placing behind or underneath them.

Areas of minimal accessibility such as lofts means bait trays can be used but if there is any doubt on any location a tamper resistant bait station should be used.

Rodents feed at many different times and places, using a large number of bait points will increase success.