Popularized by the famous Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Ratatouille, or Geronimo Stilton, mice and rats are less friendly and magical than these creatures.
An invasion of these rodents causes serious damage to our homes, both in terms of insulation and furniture. Worse, some species can carry viruses that are serious for humans and their pets. Such an invasion must therefore be taken seriously.
In the greater Montreal area, many people face the problem of mice and rats. In our integrated control approach we use the best methods of intervention to stop the invasion of these rodents.
Mouse Habits
Mice live in colonies of 30 to 40 individuals on average, but may be more numerous depending on infestation and location.
The senses of mice, namely hearing, smell, taste and touch are very developed. However, the view is very low. As they are rather curious by nature, they will do damage everywhere.
Mice snack 15 to 20 times a day on small amounts of food they find here and there. Their water needs are very limited. Most of the time, they will be satisfied with the amount of water in their food.
Common description
The mouse is easily distinguished from young rats by its small eyes and small legs. It weighs between 30g and 45g (1 1/2 oz) and its body measures 6 cm to 9 cm (4”). Its tail is almost the same length as its body, and often longer. The mouse has large ears proportional to its size. The color of his hair tends towards gray.
Rodent development
After a month and a half, the female reaches sexual maturity. The developmental period in her uterus lasts nineteen days and usually the mouse gives birth to six or eight pups.
She can have up to eight litters per year and 30 to 35 pups during her lifetime. The lifespan of the mouse is usually less than one year.
Mice run, jump, swim and climb, but they are much less skilled than rats in swimming! Mice can live inside homes that are not necessarily wet places. They are often found in attics, for example.
Outside, they dig small burrows and wait for the opportunity to infiltrate nearby homes.
Important: the Scots mouse
This species sometimes attacks food supplies. It can carry a virus that can be fatal to humans. This virus is transmitted through faeces and urine deposited in food or inhaled as dust.
What is hanta virus?
It is a virus that can cause a rare but very serious lung disease, bearing the name of pulmonary syndrome due to hanta viruses. This virus was first detected in humans in 1993, but is probably in existence for several years.
The first cases appeared in rural areas of the southwestern United States. Each year, fewer than 35 cases are reported in the United States and about three in Canada.
Exposure to the virus can occur in several ways:
- it occurs most often when breathing dust infected with feces or urine from forest mice;
- when you are bitten by an infected Scots mouse
- when touching a scratch after coming into contact with infected materials.
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