Used with permission from Univ. of CA. Statewide IPM Project,
J.K. Clark, photographer
Biology
Capable climber
Can perform a 12" vertical leap
Does Not Hibernate
Nocturnal with some
daytime activity
Incredible reproductive rate
Signs
Gnaw marks are knife-blade thin. Gnawing occurs on stems,
structures;
Droppings are 1/4 inch
long have longitudinal ridges and squared-off ends. (Use a
magnifier). Cockroach droppings are about 1/8 inch. Musk odor may be present
in confined areas.
Tracks show 4 or 5 splayed toes; Toe Pad Marks on Hind Feet Four...very tiny. Size of Front Feet 1/2 x 3/4 inch; Claw Marks
do show.
Rub marks inside vertical corners.
Mouse trail in tracking powder Description: shows how to detect rodents using talc, flour,
etc. Photo Credits: Kirk LaPierre, A1 Saver Services
@www.a1saver.com
Damage
Newly planted seed; Mice may dig and feed on newly planted crops.
Stored human and animal
foods;
Diseases transmitted to humans and livestock
Tree Damage Occasionally and particularly during late winter,
mice gnaw or girdle small, woody stems.
Structural Damage: Mice will gnaw upon wall and attic insulation,
electrical wiring, and containers of stored human and animal foods.
Stored items may also be gnawed upon.
Agricultural Damage Mice dig up and feed upon newly planted
grain. Stored grains can be contaminate with their urine, droppings
and hair.
Solutions
Habitat Modification
Rodent-proofing includes closing all openings 1/4 inch or larger. Mice have the ability to jump 12 inches high and can run up
any rough vertical surface. Learn mouse proofing strategies at
Mouse Proofing
Remove harborage, such as tall grass and debris. Sanitation
through clean-up of grains, pet or human foods; storage of boxes of
foods and potential nesting materials (cardboard, paper, cloth) in
plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Remove or mow weeds and
vegetation. Restrict water access.
Repellents
No effective ones known, including sonic devices. To learn why
repellents rarely "work" click
repellents.
Trapping
Many types of snap traps, glue boards (lethal) and live traps
(including multiple capture) are used. Place traps in secluded,
sheltered areas and along walls, etc where mice travel. Place snap
trap triggers toward wall or away from each other in double sets.
A multi-catch trap. Description: These work well for moderate rodent populations
or as a follow-up to rodenticides. Photo Credits: from U of Florida website
Below left photo: mouse snap traps set correctly in corner with pans against
wall. Photo by Univ. of Nebraska
Above right photo: mouse snap traps set correctly along wall with pans outward.
Photo by Univ. of Nebraska
Toxicants
anticoagulants, other toxicants in bait station, place
packs as needed;
Many anticoagulants are registered that may include brodifacoum, bromodiolone, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, pindone,
warfarin as active ingredients. Many other toxicants may include
bromethalin, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide as active
ingredients.
baits within bait boxes Description: These baits must be kept fresh to be effective. Photo Credits: Dallas Virchow
Diseases & Safety
Health Hazard Diseases associated with mice or their parasites
are salmonellosis, rickettsial pox, lymphocytic choriomeningitis,
leptospirosis, ratbite fever, tapeworms, ringworms, and swine
dysentery.
--University of Nebraska-Lincoln