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There is no doubt that humans are the most successful mammal on the planet. Whether you consider it intelligent design, evolution, or cosmic luck, this fact is undisputed. Just look to the Taj Mahal, Michelangelo's paintings at the Sistine Chapel or Neil Armstrong's footprints on the moon. But would you believe that some experts consider the house mouse as number two?

The house mouse is a commensal rodent. Commensal means that one organism benefits, or derives food, from a close relationship with man. The word rodent means 'to gnaw'. As long as nesting material is available, the house mouse can settle into any environment suitable to humans. Luckily, mice are limited by a short life span of about one year.

Life As a Mouse
The abilities of the house mouse are quite remarkable. A female house mouse has 6-10 litters of 5-6 pups in her lifetime. Pups are born after a 21 day development period and weaned from the mothers' milk just 21 days after birth. At this time, the house mouse is capable of breeding.

House mice can enter thru 1/4 gaps, have an 18" vertical leap, and are incredible climbers. Mice can enter from the eves of your roof as easily as they can from the ground. According to their available food, the mouse is capable of surviving with little or no free-standing water.

Their small size and sneaky behavior make new infestations hard to detect. Most people detect signs such as gnawing damage or droppings before actually seeing a mouse. An adult mouse can produce 85 fecal droppings and 3000 micro droplets of urine a day. A mouse's home range inside a structure is a 5-30" radius from their nest.

A common misconception about the migration of mice is that they come indoors to avoid cooler temperatures. Mice actually begin migrating as their preferred food supply of grass seeds starts to dwindle. This usually occurs in late September to early October.

Keeping Them Out!
There are three areas with which you can help make a structure "mouse-resistant":
1. Seal up any gaps larger than 1/4" on the exterior of your structure.
2. Keep all food stored in airtight containers, especially boxed items and pet foods.
3. Eliminate clutter on the floor that could be used as nesting materials.

Remember, the areas most likely for mice activity are attached garages, attics, and voids in kitchen cabinets and large appliances.

Related Document: Fall 07 Newsletter.pdf (Fall 07' Newsletter)

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