Are you exhausted from dealing with an annoying mice infestation in your house? It’s time to take charge and eradicate these furry intruders once and for all. In this guide, we will present successful techniques to help you remove mice and take back your space. From sealing entry points to placing traps and using natural deterrents, these proven methods will assist you in creating a mouse-free environment. We understand the frustration and health risks associated with dealing with a mice infestation, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you confront the issue directly. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, it’s crucial to address a mice infestation promptly. Mice not only pose a threat to your property by gnawing on wires and causing structural damage, but they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. So, don’t delay – follow our expert advice and bid farewell to those unwelcome house guests. Let’s begin eliminating mice from your home today.
Signs of a mice infestation
When it comes to unwelcome visitors, few are as silent and unwelcome as mice. These small rodents can sneak into your living space without a sound, causing more than just a disturbance. Recognizing the subtle indications of mice in your home is essential to promptly address the infestation and prevent health risks and property damage.
Signs of a Mouse Infestation in Your Home
- Droppings everywhere
One of the most apparent signs of mice presence is the sight of their droppings. Mouse droppings resemble small, black, rod-shaped pellets about the size of a grain of rice. Homeowners typically discover them near food sources, in cupboards, cabinets, along baseboards, and other dim locations. Check these areas of your home for droppings.
It’s important to handle with care and avoid direct contact, as mouse droppings can contain harmful bacteria.
- A Lingering Odor
You might notice an unpleasant smell if there are numerous mice or if there is a nest nearby. In addition to mice leaving small, black droppings around the house, you might also detect the scent of their urine. Mouse urine can be challenging to spot, but you will likely smell it. The odor of urine can be quite offensive – almost like Ammonia. There are several reasons to take an unexplained stench in your home seriously, but one possible cause is mice.
- Scratching Sounds at Night
House mice are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Listen for scratching, rubbing, or tapping sounds coming from the walls or ceiling after you turn off the lights. Although mice are typically very quiet, this is one of the rare occasions when you will hear them. These sounds can indicate that mice are moving around in your home, seeking food or nesting materials.
- Oil Stains
Mice run along walls, leaving marks as they go. Mice become dirty due to their mode of travel. They have natural oils on their skin and fur, and they easily transfer oil onto their fur. The oils that mice collect can then transfer onto the walls as they move along them. Oil marks from mice found on walls are typically small and black.
- Nests
If you notice a gathering of soft, varied materials, you may have mice in your home. Mouse nests are typically constructed from resources available to them in your home. Mice search for soft materials to construct their nests, such as fabric, paper, string, or insulation. Their nests are frequently hidden in secluded areas, such as behind appliances, in wall cavities, narrow spaces, or in attics.
- Bite Marks
House mice have robust teeth and chew on various materials to keep them sharp. Mice enjoy nibbling on human food, so if you find cereal bags, pet food, or other kitchen items with chew marks or tears, it’s a clear sign of unwelcome guests.
Look for bite marks on food packaging, furniture, wood, cardboard, plastic, or even electrical cords like cell phone chargers. These bite marks can harm your property and pose a fire hazard.
- Unusual Pet Behavior
Your pets are often the first to detect that something is amiss in their territory. If your cat or dog is suddenly more alert, scratching or sniffing in unusual places, or seems fixated on a particular area of your home, they may have noticed mice. Trust your furry friend’s instincts; they can point out signs of mice in your home that you haven’t yet noticed.
Dangers to health related to mice infestations
Health hazards linked to rat infestations Health hazards related to rodents Rats, mice, and other rodents can harbor diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These diseases can be spread through direct contact with infected rats or through contact with soil, food, or air that has been contaminated by infected rats. These diseases are uncommon, but people should take measures to lower their risk.
Infectious illnesses transmitted by rodents Illnesses that can be passed from rats to humans include: Leptospirosis Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, bedwetting, vomiting, and red eyes. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. The bacteria may be found in the urine of rats and mice and can enter the human body through cuts or scrapes, and sometimes through the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes. Treatment involves antibiotics.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, headache, and meningitis (a stiff neck and sensitivity to light). LCMV infection usually occurs from exposure to the urine, feces, or saliva of an infected rodent. Symptoms can be mild or may include a flu-like illness and sometimes meningitis (infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord).
However, there have been instances of LCMV infection in pregnancy resulting in poor outcomes (fetal death or congenital conditions affecting the central nervous system).
Rat-bite fever Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, rash, joint pain, vomiting, and headache. Rat-bite fever is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or through exposure to air or food contaminated with rodent urine or droppings.
Complications can include severe infection and sepsis. Sores are usually not visible when the disease occurs. Treatment involves antibiotics.
Gastrointestinal infections such as salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and cryptosporidiosis Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, body aches, and lethargy.
A number of bacterial infections that are typically transmitted through food can also be transmitted by rodents. This can happen through direct contact with rodents or contamination of surfaces where food is prepared.
In rare cases, these infections can cause severe illness. Specific antibiotics and other medications may be administered to treat these infections.
Protect your health Minimize contact with rodents Seal any holes or crevices in your home.
Store food in durable, tightly sealed containers, and promptly clean up spills/leftovers to avoid attracting rodents.
Do not place mouse traps near food preparation areas.
What to do if you come across a rodent?
Clean the wound immediately with soap and water. Dry the area, apply antibiotic cream, and a clean bandage. Seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus immunization, and in some cases (not always), antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
As the wound heals, watch for signs of infection such as skin that is warm to the touch, redness, or tenderness. See a doctor if these signs appear.
Clean and disinfect areas of rodent contact Mop floors and clean countertops with a disinfectant or bleach solution.
Steam clean or shampoo upholstered furniture and carpets that show signs of rodent exposure. Wash all bedding and clothing with detergent in hot water if exposed to rodent urine or droppings.
Disclaimer: The information above is derived from various sources
Understanding the behavior of mice
Mice, or Mus musculus, are tiny mammals belonging to the rodent family and originally from Central Asia. Due to their long history of cohabitation with humans, these rodents have evolved to survive in various habitats. When studying mouse behavior, it’s essential to consider their intelligence, rapid reproduction, and ability to squeeze through small openings, making them challenging to eliminate. If mice are spotted in your residence, it’s crucial to promptly seek professional assistance for mouse control.
Understanding mouse behavior
Mice, often living in groups known as “mischief,” are social animals. They form communities with intricate structures, displaying both territorial and cooperative conduct. Communication among mice involves sounds and physical contact, leading to strong bonds within their groups. Their intelligence and adaptability enable them to thrive indoors or outdoors. Interactions with humans can range from inquisitive to cautious, often causing them to be perceived as pests. Their relationships with other animals can result in peaceful coexistence or predation, depending on the species involved. Primarily active at night, mice rely on their exceptional memory and problem-solving abilities to navigate, recall pathways to food sources, and evade threats while foraging.
Do mice really eat cheese?
To dispel a common misconception about mouse behavior, while mice can consume cheese, they do not have a specific preference for it. Their natural diet consists of grains, fruits, and seeds. These rodents are omnivores and favor easily obtainable and digestible foods. Mice tend to consume small amounts of food at regular intervals throughout the night, a behavior crucial for their survival as it helps them maintain energy levels while remaining vigilant against potential predators.
Different mouse habitats
Mice are adaptable rodents and establish homes both inside and outside human residences. Outdoors, mice are frequently found in fields, forests, and gardens, where they construct intricate burrow systems for shelter and food storage. Conversely, when living indoors, mice prefer quiet, concealed areas such as attics, basements, and inside wall cavities.
Mice’s adaptability and survival
In the wild, mice primarily consume grains, fruits, and seeds, often storing surplus food for times of scarcity. Their acute sense of smell aids in food location and predator avoidance, with a particular preference for sweet and fatty foods. Mice are averse to strong, pungent odors such as peppermint, citronella, and ammonia.
One of the most remarkable traits of mice is their ability to fit through incredibly small spaces, sometimes as small as a penny. Their natural sense of direction enables them to easily return to their nests or locate food sources even in challenging terrain. Mice also have the capability to produce numerous offspring within a relatively short period, allowing their populations to rebound and flourish swiftly, even in the face of potential threats or population declines.
Why do mice enter homes?
One fact about mice is that they are naturally drawn to sources of food, warmth, and shelter. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, their presence can lead to significant issues, including food contamination, property damage from their gnawing, and the potential transmission of diseases.
Preventive methods for keeping mice out of your home
There are several methods to prevent mice from entering your home, including:
– Cover entry points: Mice can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. Inspect your home for any holes, big or small, and seal them using appropriate materials like caulk, steel wool, or spray foam. For larger holes, use materials such as screen, metal, cement, hardware cloth, or sheet metal. You can also use weather-strips on doors and windows to cover large cracks. Closing these entry points is a highly effective way to control mice!
– Store food properly: Mice have a strong sense of smell, so it’s crucial to store food in a tidy manner to avoid attracting them. Store dry food in sealed containers made of plastic, metal, or glass, and keep them elevated off the floor.
– Keep it clean: Maintaining a clean house is essential to keep unwanted guests away. Leaving crumbs on the counter or spilling pet food on the floor can attract mice by providing them with an easy food source. An untidy home also offers more hiding spots for mice.
– Use scents: Mice are highly sensitive to smells, so using strongly scented substances can help repel them. Peppermint, eucalyptus, bergamot, clove, or cinnamon oil are examples of strong-smelling substances that can repel mice due to their strong odor. Peppermint essential oil and clove essential oil, in particular, have potent odors that irritate mice’s noses and repel them.
– Use plants: Even in winter, you can utilize your gardening skills to deter mice! Mice can use fences and plants around your home as shelter and nesting places, so keeping your yard well-maintained is crucial to prevent them from hiding there. Additionally, you can plant mouse-repelling plants like lavender, elderberry, daffodils, and mint around your house or keep them in pots.
– Close exterior doors: Ensure the garage door is closed as soon as you enter or exit, and also close the side doors. Leaving the garage door open, especially in the fall when rodents are seeking a warm place to spend the winter, can attract mice. Check that the weather seal along the bottom edge of the garage door is in good condition.
– Make a habit of closing the garage door as soon as you enter or exit by car, and close the side doors of the garage as well. Close sliding patio doors and basement windows, or at least screen them, to keep mice out.
– Never leave the garage door or other entrances open at night. Rodents are especially active during the dark hours.
– Eliminate moisture: Repair leaky pipes and clogged drains, and eliminate standing water in your yard.
– Trim shrubs: Dense shrubs and garden plants growing close to your home can provide hiding places for mice and termites as they search for entry points through the foundation or walls. Shrubs should be planted several feet away from the foundation, and ensure that the ground level is low enough to prevent mice from getting behind the walls. Trim shrubs around your home, avoiding overgrown shrubs that can become nesting sites for mice.
– Set Traps and Bait: Use several traps and bait stations indoors as a preventive measure throughout the year. Live traps are a humane, nontoxic way to trap and release mice while alerting you to their presence in your home.
The best live traps are chamber-type devices with spring-loaded doors that close when a mouse enters in search of food. Avoid inhumane sticky trap designs, as mice have been known to chew their feet off the adhesive. If you are not comfortable killing mice, traditional spring-loaded traps are a good choice; they usually kill mice quickly and with minimal pain to the creature.
Get a Predator Pet: Having a pet that enjoys hunting prey, like an outdoor owl, can effectively control rodents in your yard. However, because there is always pet food available in homes with pets, rodents might view your home as a good food source. Nevertheless, young, aggressive cats or dog breeds, such as terriers known for hunting small animals, can often catch mice before they can settle and build a nest to reproduce.
Declutter: Mice love to hide, and a disorganized home provides numerous places for them to create nests. Keeping things neat by removing cardboard, newspapers or magazines, and trash from the floor will deter mice from entering. Move cardboard to shelves and keep it out of their reach. Dark, infrequently visited areas such as basements and closets are prime hiding spots for mice. Additionally, remove any trash in your yard, shed, or garage. If you have a compost pile, store it away from your home.
If you suspect a mouse infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.
Using traps to capture and eradicate mice
No one desires to coexist with mice. Apart from making your home unwelcoming, mice carry diseases and can cause damage to your home and personal belongings. Fortunately, trapping mice is a simple way to eliminate these pests and reclaim your space.
Mouse traps are an effective method for controlling rodent infestations, but you must use them correctly. With this in mind, here are our top recommendations for establishing an effective mouse trapping program:
- Inspect your home for mice
Before setting traps, take the time to examine your home to identify areas where mice are residing.
Here’s what to look for:
Mice make noises and emit odors. Mice are noisy creatures. While foraging, nesting, and socializing, they create various squeaking, rustling, and scratching sounds. Large mouse infestations also produce a strong, musty ammonia smell, particularly near their hiding spots.
Indications of mouse damage. Mice are avid chewers and are known to create small, clean holes about ½” in diameter. Mice damage frequently occurs in kitchen cabinets (look for torn paper food wrappers or holes in the corners of food boxes or bags) and bathrooms, where they gnaw on items (especially bar soap) stored in cabinets.
Footprints. Look for mouse footprints in dusty areas. Mouse hindfoot prints are usually about ⅜” or less.
Staining. Mice leave oil or grease stains from their feces and oils on their fur. These stains typically appear near runways, along walls, or near joists or sill plates where mice roam.
Mouse sightings. Seeing live or dead mice is a strong indication that there are more rodents in the area.
Nesting. Mice often nest in walls, attics, insulation, and cramped spaces.
Examining your home for signs of mouse activity will help you identify common trapping spots and enable you to select the best traps for your specific area.
- Position your traps
To eradicate a mouse infestation, you must set up multiple traps.
Regardless of the type of trap you use, placing it directly in the path of active rodent movement will maximize its effectiveness.
Here are some suggestions to assist you in placing your traps in the appropriate locations:
Place multi-catch traps near exterior doors or along utility lines entering or exiting your home.
Position the entrance of low-profile multi-catch traps parallel to the wall or object next to which you’re placing it.
Insert glue boards inside low-profile multi-catch traps to expedite mouse extermination.
Set traps with multiple traps inside bait stations. This makes the traps more appealing to mice and safeguards them from being tampered with by children or pets.
To use glue boards on their own, affix them to the floor along walls or under appliances, cabinets, or furniture.
Position traps wherever you observe rodent droppings.
For severe mouse infestations, space traps approximately 6 feet apart.
Position the trap so that the mice have the best chance of discovering it naturally – the trap should be placed perpendicular to a wall, with the trigger end nearly touching the wall.
- Lure the trap
Use these suggestions for enticing a trap to capture rats:
Eliminate food sources in your house to make the food bait more attractive to rats.
Attract rats to your trap by utilizing potent-smelling substances like vanilla extract, nuts, cheese, or peanut butter as bait.
If feasible, utilize food bait instead of rodenticide or poison bait.
Utilize various food baits to manage extensive infestations – tailor your bait to rats’ dietary preferences and observe if your rat population exhibits strong food preferences.
If food is abundant, secure the food bait to the trigger with dental floss so rats can’t pilfer it without triggering the trap.
- Inspect the trap daily
Once the trap is set, check it at least once per day.
If the trap has captured a rat, remove the rat’s body, clean and re-bait the trap, and relocate the trap as necessary.
- Safely dispose of dead mice
To avoid exposure to disease, adhere to these guidelines:
Wear plastic or latex gloves whenever handling a dead mouse or the trap that caught it.
Place wooden traps in a plastic bag, seal the bag tightly, and discard it in an outdoor trash receptacle with a secure lid.
Place the dead mouse in a double bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Immediately discard used latex gloves and wash your hands with hot, soapy water.
- Set and monitor new traps until mouse activity ceases
After your traps begin capturing mice, continue setting and baiting them until mouse activity stops.
If necessary, position glue boards in mouse pathways to monitor mouse activity and assess the effectiveness of your trapping program.
Natural repellents for mice
When attempting to eliminate mice from a residence, homeowners typically utilize natural mouse repellents before seeking professional extermination assistance. Several natural mouse repellents that can be employed to deter mice include:
Peppermint oil
This essential oil is a popular option for natural mouse repellents. The potent menthol scent of peppermint oil irritates mice’s noses, compelling them to stay away. You can place a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and position it in the area where mice are present. This oil can also be used as a spray to deter mice when diluted with the appropriate amount of water.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is commonly used as a mosquito repellent, but it is also effective in repelling mice. In addition to irritating their nasal passages, lemongrass can also diminish mice’s appetite. A 2015 study found that inhaling lemongrass oil led to a reduction in the weight of mice by suppressing their appetite. Similar to eucalyptus oil, a diluted solution of lemongrass oil should be sprayed in areas where mice are infested to ensure that they vacate the area. You can also plant lemongrass in your yard to deter mice from entering your home.
Cloves
Mice cannot tolerate the strong aroma of cloves and will flee from any area where they detect it. You can utilize clove essential oil or whole cloves.
Eucalyptus oil
The fragrance of eucalyptus oil is a natural means to deter mice and other rodents from your home. Pour eucalyptus oil on cotton balls and place them in areas frequented by mice or rodents. The scent will repel mice. When used correctly, eucalyptus oil is a safe and effective method for repelling pests from your home. It is important to exercise caution when using this oil around children and pets. A recent study has demonstrated the efficacy of eucalyptus oil as an insect repellent. When a concentration high enough to repel mice was applied daily, their consumption significantly decreased and their growth patterns worsened!
Fresh Cab Mouse Repellent
This natural mouse repellent is comprised of a blend of corn cobs, plants, and herbal extracts. It can deter rats and mice from recreational vehicles and hunting equipment. Steel wool can also be utilized to prevent mice from entering crevices in your home.
Cleaning and sanitizing after eliminating mice
Prior to starting the cleaning process, it is crucial to get the affected area ready to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
Preparing the Area
Clear the affected space of any mess or objects that could obstruct the cleaning process. This involves relocating furniture, appliances, and other items that may have been in contact with mice or their droppings. Cleaning the area will enable you to reach all surfaces and remove hiding spots for mice.
Seal all entry points to prevent re-infestation during and after the cleaning. Carefully examine the area for any cracks, crevices, or holes where mice could enter your home. Seal all of these entry points using steel wool, caulk, or other appropriate materials to block mice from gaining access.
Disposing of Mouse Droppings and Contaminated Materials
Proper disposal of mouse droppings and contaminated materials is crucial for eliminating potential health hazards.
Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, before handling mouse droppings. This will help shield you from direct contact with bacteria, viruses, and allergens present in the droppings.
Dampen the droppings with a disinfectant or bleach solution to minimize the risk of airborne particles. Spraying a water and suitable disinfectant mixture onto the droppings helps prevent the spread of contaminants during cleaning.
Carefully pick up the droppings with disposable paper towels or cloths and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming up dry droppings, as this can release harmful particles into the air.
Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash receptacle or follow local guidelines for proper disposal. Seal the bag tightly to prevent leakage or exposure to others.
Dispose of any contaminated materials, such as damaged insulation, fabrics, or food. Items contaminated with mouse droppings should be disposed of properly to prevent recontamination or further infestation.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the affected area will help eradicate any remaining signs of mouse activity and ensure a hygienic environment.
Thoroughly sanitize all surfaces, such as counters, floors, walls, and furniture, using a disinfectant or bleach solution. Use a solution recommended for disinfecting bacteria and viruses. Pay close attention to areas where mice are likely to roam or nest.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any loose droppings, urine, or other loose material. A vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter will capture tiny particles and prevent them from becoming airborne while cleaning.
Pay special attention to areas where mice may be nesting, such as behind appliances, inside cabinets, or in narrow spaces. Clean and disinfect these areas thoroughly to remove any traces of mouse activity.
Clean and disinfect any dishes, utensils, or food storage containers that may have been in contact with mice. Use hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher to ensure proper cleaning and sanitation.
Treating Specific Areas and Items
In addition to general cleaning steps, certain areas and items require special attention.
Provide detailed instructions for cleaning the kitchen area, emphasizing the importance of cleaning food preparation surfaces and equipment. Use disinfectants and cleaners that are appropriate and safe for use in food preparation areas.
Explain how to clean and disinfect carpets, rugs, and upholstery that have been infested by mice. Depending on the material, you may need to use steam cleaning, a professional service, or a special cleaning product designed for that surface.
Explain the process for cleaning and inspecting electrical wiring and equipment for potential damage caused by mice. Make sure the power is turned off before inspecting electrical components, and check for signs of chewed wires or mouse nests. Consult a professional electrician if you suspect extensive damage.
Provide tips for cleaning and disinfecting pet areas, such as bedding and toys, to remove traces of mice. Wash pet bedding in hot water and appropriate detergent, and disinfect toys using pet-safe cleaning products. Throw away any heavily soiled or damaged items that cannot be effectively cleaned.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively clean your home after a mouse infestation, minimize health risks, and prevent re-infestation. Always prioritize your safety by wearing protective gear and following proper disposal protocols for contaminated materials.
Strategies for the long-term prevention of future mouse infestations
Discovering signs of a mouse infestation is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. These tiny creatures can cause significant damage to property, pose health risks, and are generally bothersome. While there are many DIY methods for managing mice, it’s essential to understand a comprehensive approach to long-term mouse control for any household.
Preventing the Problem: Proactive Measures
Mice are always searching for food. One of the most effective prevention techniques is to ensure that all food sources are inaccessible to these pests. This involves using airtight containers to store grains, cereals, and other foods. Exercise caution with pet food, as it may attract mice. Keeping pet food tightly sealed in airtight containers and promptly cleaning up any leftovers can make a significant difference.
Sealing potential entry points is another preventive measure. Mice can enter through small cracks, so it’s important to regularly inspect your home for cracks, holes, and gaps and seal them immediately. This method, commonly known as rodent proofing, can significantly reduce the chances of a mouse infestation.
Professional Rat Control Services: Why Expert Help Matters
Rat extermination services do more than just eliminate the existing rat population. Professional pest control companies offer comprehensive solutions. From assessing the extent of the rat infestation to implementing effective rat control methods, these experts ensure that your home is rodent-free for the long term.
Furthermore, given the hazardous diseases that house mice and deer mice can carry, it is crucial to handle rat droppings, dead rodents, and other signs of pest infestation with extreme care. This is where the expertise of a pest control professional becomes extremely valuable.
Balancing Pet Safety and Rat Extermination
When dealing with a rat problem, it is important to ensure the safety of your pets while getting rid of the rats. Some rat control methods, such as certain types of mouse traps or chemicals, can pose risks to pets. Consulting with a professional pest control company about the methods they use can help ensure that your pets remain safe while the rat problem is resolved.
Comprehensive Solutions with Relief Pest Control
When it comes to long-term rat control solutions, there is no substitute for expertise and a comprehensive approach. With a focus on understanding the unique challenges of each home, they offer customized solutions that address the root of the problem. Whether it’s preventing mice, using safe and effective control measures, or providing answers to all your mouse questions.
Advanced Prevention Methods: Beyond the Basics
While basic prevention methods like sealing food and potential entry points can make a significant difference, there’s more to mouse prevention. The primary strategy is to ensure regular maintenance and inspections of your home. Over time, damage can create new entry points for mice. Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent a mouse infestation before it starts.
Landscaping can also play a role in mouse control. Overgrown vegetation near your home can provide shelter and potential nesting sites for mice. Trimming vegetation and ensuring clear boundaries around your home can discourage mice from making their home near your home.
Conclusion: Maintaining a mice-free home
Preventing mice from getting into your house involves a mix of regular upkeep, taking action ahead of time, and being attentive to possible entryways. By following these mouse prevention tips and inspecting your property regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of a mouse infestation and enjoy a mouse-free home environment.
If you are facing a mouse problem or want to ensure your home is mouse-free, do not hesitate to contact a professional or company specializing in mouse prevention and extermination.