The cute and cuddly storybook image
of the mouse stands in stark contrast
to the damage they can cause and the
diseases they can spread in real life.
Mice will chew through wood and even
electrical insulation to get at foodstuffs,
causing not only hygiene but other safety
problems as well.
Holes chewed in food boxes and bags,
along with nearby trails of droppings,
are evidence of the presence of mice.
Sealing the gaps and cracks that
they use for access, and keeping
food and refuse in tightly sealed
containers will help prevent infestations.
Our internationally recognised K-9
detection team will inspect your
home or business for mice and other
pests. Call 1-905-761-9388 to schedule
an appointment or submit an Inspection
Request Form today!
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How
do I recognize a mouse? |
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Mice
are common in all parts of
Canada. They are usually dusky
grey in colour and measure
from 10 to 15 cm (4" to
6") overall, with large
ears and long tails. |
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Are
mice hazardous to humans? |
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Yes.
Mice contaminate food with
their droppings and urine.
They spread such diseases as
salmonella bacteria (food poisoning),
leptospirosis, and typhus.
They also carry parasites such
as fleas, roundworms, and mites.
A bite inflicted by a mouse should
receive prompt medical attention. |
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When
are mice most common? |
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Mice
are year-round pests, however
activity and indoor migration
increases as the weather gets
cooler. Mice become active
primarily during the evenings
and remain so until the middle
of the night. However, if food
is scarce or the infestation
is large, they will be active
during daylight hours. |
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Where
do mice build nests? |
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Mice
nest in any safe location close
to food, preferring the spaces
in double walls, between ceilings
and floors, and closed-in areas
such as drawers and around
counters. Noises made by their
running, gnawing, and scratching
will provide clues to their
actual location. |
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How
can I tell if I have an infestation
of mice? |
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There
are several ways that mice
make their presence known.
Mouse droppings near available
food are the most common indication.
Gnawed holes in bags and boxes
containing food or garbage
are also common signs.
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What
are their breeding habits?
Do mice multiply quickly? |
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The
average life span of a mouse
is 18 months. The young are
born about 19 days after breeding
and mature rapidly. A single
female may have as many as
8 litters per year, averaging
5 to 6 young each. By 3 months,
the young are independent and
capable of reproduction.
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Do
mice die off in cold months? |
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No.
Mice can survive outdoors during
the winter under certain conditions,
but generally invade buildings
when the weather turns cold.
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If
I have an infestation of mice,
what can I do to eliminate
them? |
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Depending
on the severity of the infestation,
a single control measure may
not be effective and an integrated
program conducted by a Purity
Pest Control professional may
be required.
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