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Mice

Physical Abilities

(no wonder they call him Mighty Mouse)

Picture of a brown colored house mouse

  • Mice can jump as high as 12" from the floor to an elevated object.

  • Mice can jump against a wall or flat vertical surface and use it as a springboard to gain additional height.

  • Mice can run up almost any vertical surface--from wood and brick walls to metal girders, pipes, weathered sheet metal, wire mesh, and cables.

  • Mice can run horizontally along insulated electrical wires, small ropes, etc with the greatest of ease.

  • Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a pencil.

  • Mice can swim, run along narrow ledges and jump from heights of 8' to the floor.

  • Mice can survive at a constant temperature of 24 degrees F for 10 generations.

  • Mice can be found 1,800' below the ground in coal mines.

Picture of a grey colored deer mouse

Are you thoroughly impressed by these little guys yet? Hey I am, but they still belong outside!

Characteristics of Mice

  • Mice are quick to explore changes.

  • Under correct conditions, they can breed all year.

  • Mice rely heavily on their sense of smell, taste, touch, and hearing.

  • Mice prefer cereal (grains) but will eat foods high in fat and protein such as; lard, butter, nuts, bacon, meat, and sweets (especially chocolate).

  • Mice seldom travel more than 30' from their nest.

  • Mice will nest in garages, attics, basements, closets, and other storage places.

  • Mice will also nest inside summer homes and cottages, travel trailers, RVs, etc.

  • Mice will chew on wiring in both households and appliances.

  • Mice tend to squeak, make scrambling sounds and gnaw at night.

 

Mice are carriers of Salmonella, Meningitis, Rickettsial Pox, Leptospirosis, Rat-bite Fever, Ray Fungus, Ringworm, and Dermatitis. These diseases may be carried by the mice themselves or the fleas and mites that live on the mice.

 

Controls, Prevention and Habitat Alteration

 

  • Store bulk foods in mouse-proof containers.

  • Seal holes in and around foundation walls, pipes, utility lines, vents, etc with steel wool and then caulk.

  • Seal off the corner trim on your vinyl siding, it's hollow and makes a great runway for mice. Use steel wool and then spray enough expanding foam to hold the steel wool in place.

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