General description of the mouse

Mice, including the most common type, the house mouse (Mus musculus), are small, omnivorous rodents that live near human properties throughout the world. They measure approximately 6 to 10 cm in length, not including their thin, scaly tail, and weigh on average between 20 and 40 g. Their coat is generally brown or gray, and they have pointed snouts, rounded ears, and long whiskers that allow them to effectively detect their surroundings. Their hearing and sense of smell are particularly developed, compensating for their limited eyesight, especially in dimly lit environments where they are more active.

As a well-adaptable species, mice are found in diverse habitats, from fields and forests to urban spaces. They often dig burrows to protect themselves from predators, but in urban environments, they establish their nests in hidden corners of buildings, often near sources of food and heat. They consume a wide variety of foods, such as grains, fruits, and even human food scraps when inhabiting domestic areas.

Mice reproduce at high speed, with a female capable of giving birth to several litters per year, each of 6 to 12 young. Due to their high reproduction rate, they are often considered pests, particularly on farms and homes, because they can damage structures, contaminate food supplies, and transmit diseases.

How to get rid of mice

Getting rid of mice, whether residential or commercial, requires a combination of preventative methods, traps and sometimes chemicals, all while ensuring the safety of the affected spaces. Here are the key steps to effectively eradicate a mouse infestation.

1. Seal entry points

Mice can enter through openings as small as 6mm. Carefully inspect the affected building, especially around foundations, windows, doors and ducts, for cracks and holes. You can use steel wool to block these entrances, as mice cannot chew through steel wool. Caulking openings around exterior pipes and cables is also essential to limit their access.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Mice are attracted to easily accessible food sources. To prevent them from finding them on your property, store food in well-sealed containers, clean up crumbs and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink for too long. Empty trash cans regularly, especially in the kitchen, and make sure they are tightly closed. Limiting food resources that can attract mice is an effective way to discourage them from intruding on humans.

3. Use mouse traps

Mouse traps are an effective method of catching mice without using poisons. Here are some popular types of traps:

Snap Traps: These classic traps, often baited with peanut butter orcheese, are very effective in capturing mice quickly. There are alsoprofessional baits including Pro-Pest, which easily attracts mice to traps.

Sticky Traps: Placed in corners or along walls, these sticky traps attract with their scent and trap mice as they pass over them. They are useful for a light infestation.

Electric Traps: These traps use a shockelectric to kill mice instantly. They are practical and hygienic for disposal without direct handling. Victor offers good traps of this type.

By placing the traps along walls, where mice usually travel, you increase the chances of capturing unwanted mice. It is necessary to check the traps regularly and replace them if necessary.

4. Rodenticide products (as a last resort)

If the infestation is large, rodenticides can be used, but with caution, as they pose risks to children and pets. The poisons are available in the form of blocks or sachets and it is very often mandatory to insert them inside a locked box, such as the Evo Express, to limit access to children and non-target animals. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and it is important to note that a permit is often required for the use of rodenticidescommercial.

5. Call a professional

If the infestation continues despite the measures taken, it may be necessary to contact a professional pest management technician. An expert will be able to assess the situation, use advanced control methods and advise on preventative measures to prevent an infestation from occurring again.

By implementing these strategies, you will significantly reduce the mouse population and protect your home or business from a future invasion.

The dangers and damage caused by mice

Les souris, bien qu'elles paraissent souvent inoffensives, représentent des risques sanitaires et matériels importants pour les habitations.

Health risks

Mice can carry many diseases that can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine, feces or saliva, or through inhalation of airborne particles. Serious diseases associated with mice include hantavirus, a potentially fatal lung infection, salmonellosis, caused by bacteria in their droppings, and leptospirosis, which can cause kidney and liver damage. Mice also carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can transmit additional diseases like Lyme disease (when carrying ticks) and other serious bacterial infections.

Material damage

Mice are active rodents that cause considerable damage by foraging for nest materials and gnawing to keep their teeth the right size. They attack electrical cables, and they damage wooden structures, insulation and even furniture, causing significant financial losses. Additionally, their droppings, left everywhere, contaminate surfaces and food storage areas, making the home less hygienic and more difficult to maintain.

To minimize risks, it is advisable to seal all possible entrances, maintain strict hygiene in kitchen and storage areas, and regularly monitor for signs of mice, such as scratching noises, droppings or traces of gnawing.