Ultra Power Mouse Trap (Twin Pack) - Mouse Killer, Mouse Traps for Indoors and Outdoors, White

Mice

Mice are a highly adaptive and invasive species and they’re able to populate a variety of ecosystems. Agricultural fields, buildings, and boats are all viable habitats. In more temperate climates there will be even more possible nest sites. Swimming, climbing, jumping proficiency, and the two incisors on their upper jaw, all make for a formidable predator wherever they reside. However, despite all of these amazing abilities, the house mouse chooses to reside, as its name would indicate, in a home.

House mice (Mus Musculus Domesticus) are a highly adaptive member of the genus Mus (mouse), yet for some reason they choose to live in the least demanding environment, a human home. They are attracted by the continuous flow of food and warmth, ideal for nest sites. The offer of food and shelter is so tempting that many choose to stay and breed year-round.

Diet

As one can imagine, the palate of a house mouse is highly adaptable since every habitat they migrate through will hold different opportunities for feeding. Outside dwellers will eat insects and a lot of grain, however, inside dwelling mice are practically omnivorous and, just like brown rats, will consume 10-15% of their body weight each day in just about anything we throw away. Most house mice will nibble on multiple different food sources to obtain their required nutrition, up to 20 times each night, since they’re nocturnal.

A large proportion of a mouse’s 3g daily intake will be grain, namely cereal, favouring high-energy, man-made foods. Studies have proven that the levels of aggression in both rats and mice can be attributed to this high fat ‘human’ diet they have both been on for so long. These foods increase oestrogen levels and results in a shorter temper and longer periods of aggression.

Evidence of intrusion

• 3-6 mm long droppings, black and rod-shaped. Approximately 80 per day, often appearing in clusters.
• Spotted in various places including attics, storage boxes, floorboards, disused cupboards. Check around fridges, ovens, heating units and washing machines too.
• Check wood, paper, cables, carpet and furniture for marks.
• Dark grey marks on surfaces from oil on hair.
• Although they don’t sweat, they emit a musky odour and urinate a lot, producing an ammonia smell.
• Hearing pattering feet in walls at night could be a sign of a mouse or rat infestation.
• If your dog is barking at night at what seems to be nothing, it could be picking up the scent or sounds of rodents.