mice

Did you know that there are two common types of mice in western Canada? There's the House Mouse and the Deer Mouse. They may look similar, but they are pretty different. Let's take a look at how to tell them apart.

Differences in Appearance

The House Mouse is usually brown or almost blonde with cream-colored undersides. It's a bit bigger and has a thicker body than the Deer Mouse. On the other hand, the Deer Mouse has big ears, big black eyes, and a hairless tail. It also has longer whiskers than the House Mouse.

Other Differences

When moving around, the House Mouse scurries and darts while the Deer Mouse hops or 'bounces.' They're both small, with the House Mouse weighing about 0.68 ounces and the Deer Mouse weighing around 0.72 ounces. The House Mouse is between 65 and 95 millimeters long from nose to tail, while the Deer Mouse is about 96 millimeters long.

Differences in Habitat

Understanding the habitat preferences of these mice is crucial. House Mice, often found in or near human homes and buildings, have adapted to live in close proximity to us. On the other hand, Deer Mice, with their preference for outdoor places like deserts, grasslands, and alpine habitats, remind us of the diverse environments these creatures can thrive in.

Differences in Diseases

It's important to note that Deer Mice can carry a potentially severe virus called Hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans. House Mice, while also capable of carrying diseases, are generally not as harmful to humans.

Differences in Lifespan

Deer Mice can live for over eight years, while House Mice usually live for about two years. Both types have many babies, and because Deer Mice live longer, they're often used in scientific studies.

Ecological Significance

Deer Mice, with their long lifespan and role as an essential food source for other animals, play a significant part in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. They also help keep insect populations in check, a crucial service. House Mice, while not as significant in providing food for other animals, can attract pests like ticks and fleas, reminding us of their indirect impact on the ecosystem.

Understanding the distinctions between House Mice and Deer Mice is crucial, particularly when it comes to managing their populations. Despite their similar appearances, they have significant differences that can aid in their identification and control. “Call today for expert information and advice.``
Prevention plays a crucial role in managing infestations of rats and mice within residential premises. The primary line of defense involves eliminating potential points of entry. Mice can infiltrate through openings as small as a dime, while rats can exploit holes the size of a quarter. Even minor gaps resulting from worn thresholds under doors may grant mice access to indoor spaces.

The following are preventive measures

1. Employ metallic weather stripping under doors and weather strip windows.

2. Seal cracks in foundations.

3. Seal gaps around pipes with steel wool before caulking or plastering.

4.Install fine mesh metal screening over dryer vents, attic vents, and soffits.

5. Clear unused clutter that serves as nesting sites around the house and garage.

6. Keep tall grass and weeds trimmed away from the residence.

7. Use tightly sealed containers for garbage.

8. Elevate woodpiles approximately 30 centimeters (1 foot) above ground level and position them away from the residence.

9. Abstain from disposing of fatty or oily food waste, eggs, or dairy products in the composter.

10. Place a layer of heavy metal mesh between the soil and the base of the composter.

11. Eradicate water sources such as leaking taps, condensing pipes, and open drains.

12. Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and store dry food and pet food in metal or glass containers.

For environments already infested with rats or mice, various control options are available

1. Traps: Snap and electronic traps are user-friendly and highly effective when positioned and set accurately. Live traps feature trap doors that are triggered when rodents traverse them.

2. Products: Baits or poisons should not be solely relied upon for rodent control. To achieve successful control, it is essential to combine these with other management strategies, such as rat and mouse proofing and effective sanitation. Poisoned baits must be placed within tamper-proof bait stations in areas inaccessible to children and pets. Anticoagulants are usually highly toxic and must be kept out of reach of children and pets.