Description
The average adult mouse (mus musculus) weighs approximately 15 g
and is approximately 15 cm long form head to tail.
Unfortunately, often the first clear evidence of rodent activity is
the discovery of partially eaten, spilled or hoarded food, damaged
packaging or other signs of recent gnawing. Electrical
cables, plastic piping, pipe insulation and wooden structures are
all common sites of gnawing damage.
Biology and Habitat
The life cycle of the house mouse is very similar to that of the
rat. The gestation period is about 17 - 20 days, with a
weaning period of about three weeks, living on average nine to
twelve months. They reach sexual maturity at about two
months. The average litter size is between five and six, with
anything between five and ten litters a year.
Importance
Salmonellosis, caused by the bacteria of the Salmonella group
ranks as one of the most widespread of animal borne diseases.
Infection occurs from the contamination of food and/or drink with
rodent excreta. Parasites carried and transmitted by rodents
include ringworm, mites, tapeworms, ticks and fleas.
Control
It is important that when dealing with an infestation of mice
that the pest control officer carries out a thorough survey.
Sightings of mice or their droppings (which are about 3 - 7 mm in
length), smell, runs, smears etc. should be noted/recorded when
dealing with an infestation of mice.
The Pest Control service has a range of rodenticides at its
disposal and the conventional mousetrap.
Safety
All pesticides used by Bath & North East Somerset Council
are approved substances under the Control of Pesticides Regulations
1986 and are fully risk assessed.
