Description

The house mouse (mus domesticus) appears to have originated in central Asia. In this country it is found in a wide range of urban and rural buildings and although mainly a house dweller it may live outdoors for part or all of the year. If it gains entry into the house it may be found in kitchen cupboards, under floors, in roof spaces, in pipe or cable ducting or airing cupboards. Mice can cause a great deal of damage by eating and contaminating food and damaging materials by gnawing. The house mouse may also carry disease which can be transmitted to people and domestic animals.

Life cycle

House mice can breed throughout the year, producing up to 10 litters in that period, but usually about five-six. They prefer seeds and cereal products but will also feed on soap, wax and putty.

Appearance

The house mouse is brownish grey or grey in colour. The length of its head and body is 80-100mm and the tail is 80-100mm. They are small and slender in build and weigh up to 20g. The nose is pointed, the ears are large and hairy and they have pink feet.

Control Methods

Mice can be difficult to control because of the rate at which they breed. It is best to remove food scraps, rubbish and keep buildings tidy. Mice can squeeze through very small openings therefore all holes should be filled in, thresholds fitted to doors if necessary and airbricks and ventilators covered with wire gauze.

To eradicate mice there are two basic choices - either trapping or poisoning. Traps can be bought from hardware stores. For best results several traps should be used, set 2metres apart. The baited end should be placed nearest to the wall at right angles away from pets and children. Chocolate, flour, porridge oats, sugar or breadcrumbs can be used as bait.

There are several mouse poisons available from chemists, hardware shops and supermarkets.