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Biology: Life expectancy of a house mouse is approximately
1 year. The female will breed between 8 and 10 times, an average litter of 5 - 6. Breeding occurs all year
round and depends more on the availability of food and harbourage than on seasonal conditions. Under ideal
conditions, one pair of mice may have over 2000 offspring. The gestation period is 21 days, the young are
weaned within 21 days and sexually mature after 8 weeks of birth.
Mice cause immense damage when feeding in warehouses, granaries, factories etc. not only through the
quantities of food consumed but more importantly through contamination by faeces and urine, and damage
by gnawing. Mice are vectors of many diseases of which one is Leptospirosis which can prove fatal. Mice
are a erratic feeders requiring as little as 3g of food a day, which provides their moisture requirements.
They pose a major risk to public health.
Signs of an infestation are droppings and evidence of gnawing. Other signs include damage to property,
smear marks (a dark mark caused by body grease) excavations under buildings and well worn runs through
undergrowth.
Mice have an acute sense of smell and have a good sense of hearing and touch. Their eyesight is poor but
functions well in the dark.
Size: 7 - 9cm (2 ¾ - 3 ½ inches) head plus body length. Tail is 80% body length. 10 - 25g (average about 15g).
Markings: Grey/Brown with a slightly lighter underbelly.
Location: Wherever there is Man.
Detection: Live sightings, droppings, gnawed wiring and food containers, scuffling noises, smell.
Solution: For a survey, quotation and treatment contact AQUILA
All Surveys and Quotations are free of charge
All work undertaken is guaranteed
All Work carried out is completed to the standards recommended
by the industries governing bodies
