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Body
length varies between 60 - 90mm and the tail can add an additional
100mm. Often, the droppings found are black, rod-shaped and 3 - 6mm
long.
One
of our resident handymen offers this advice. "Since we live
in a neighborhood that abuts the woods, during the fall season field
mice will often try to come into our homes. One way I deal with this is
by purchasing "chew bars," which are available
at Agway. A package containing eight "chew
bars" will cost around $4. They are solid bars and are not messy
like DCon. I place 2 bars behind the front steps in my building.
There is enough space between the steps and the foundation so the
"chew bars" will fall down underneath
the steps, which is a place mice like to hide.
They will eat the "chew bars" and die. Placing the poison
underneath the steps eliminates the risk of
children or pets getting into it. I also set two
traps in my garage in the fall and bait them with cheese just in case a
mouse comes in while the door is open."- Randy S.
Where do they live?
Mice live in nests, which are often built inside houses, especially
during the winter. Nests are built wherever there is access to a good
source of food. Spaces under floors and attics are favored places for
nests, which are built out of cloth, wool and paper.
Mouse holes are normally 20 - 30mm in diameter. Mice are mainly active
at night and can be heard running about as they search for food. Mice
can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm.
What do they eat?
Their favorite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost
anything. Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open
packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings. Mice will gnaw
their way through wood to get to sources of food.
How can I get rid of mice?
It is important to get rid of mice quickly, before they damage wiring
and insulation. It is possible to carry out the work yourself.
To get rid of mice you may call an exterminator or do either of the
following:
1. Set traps
Break-back traps may be used and these should be placed next to walls
where mice tend to travel. The trap should be baited with chocolate,
biscuit or cereal. Use several traps and examine them daily, removing
dead mice as soon as they are discovered.
2.
Lay poison
Mouse poison can be bought from hardware stores and most garden centers.
Always select the most suitable type. Put
the poison in a safe and secure place to ensure children and pets cannot
get to it and eat it. Wash hands after use. Pesticides must
always be used with care and directions followed precisely.
This
is an inside unit problem, and, as such, is the responsibility of the
unit owner. Other unit owners in the building should be notified as the
mouse infestation problem can easily go from unit to unit.
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