Warren County Connection A Publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County
November 2022
KEEPING MICE OUT By: Kelly Feehan, Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension in Knox County
In this issue:
When it’s cold outside, mice try to find warmth inside. In one year, all offspring and subsequent generations from a single pair of mice could add up to 10,000 mice. Hence they are a common problem. Dennis Ferraro, Nebraska Extension wildlife specialist, recently shared some tips for keeping mice out of residences and for trapping them. The best control is to prevent their entry indoors and sanitation.
Mice urinate and defecate on the go, as many as 80 droppings a day. For identification, their black, quarterinch droppings are pointed on both ends. Feces carry disease-causing organisms so wear gloves if handling.
To prevent entry, pack three-eighth According to Ferraro, understanding inch and larger openings with copper the abilities of mice will help in keep- wool or stainless steel wool (make ing them out. For example, an adult sure it is without iron which will mouse can squeeze through an open- rust), then caulk over. Caulking preing as small as three-eighths inch. vents mice from chewing through or Like cats, their whiskers tell them if pulling out the material. the opening is large enough. For sanitation, eliminate access to Mice are able to jump straight up food, water or nesting material. Clean two and a half feet and across three up food and crumbs and fix water feet. They can climb brick and stuc- leaks. Even simple things like storing co, and walk on about one-tenth inch a damp mop on the tip of its handle diameter wire. Mice can run up to with its head in the air, can prevent six miles per hour; and drop vertically mice from obtaining moisture or eight feet and keep running. nesting material, according to Ferraro. The home range of a house mouse is usually a 20 foot radius, but their curiosity will have them exploring up to 200 feet from home base. Their preferred path is along walls, whiskers guiding the way.
Avoid using mouse poisons and trap instead. “Using baits indoors should be avoided at all costs,” Ferraro said. One reason is children and pets are often unintentional victims. And mice (Continued on page 3)
Time Spent In The Garden Now Saves Work In the Spring
3
Burning Bush, You’re Fired!
4
Maintaining Lawn and Garden Tools
5
Four Really Stinky Flowers
6
House Dust Mites
8
Develop A Household Inventory
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