The presence of mice in a home, in a garage, or on a farm should never be tolerated. Like other wild rodents, mice are natural reservoirs of diseases, such as leptospirosis¹ and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome², to name just a few, which can be deadly diseases in some cases. These diseases are most often contracted during improper handling of mice, their nests, or their droppings. Don’t hesitate to call on a professional to carry out a mice extermination.

How to recognize mice ?

The deer mouse and the house mouse are easy to identify. The deer mouse has a white belly and paws, while the rest of its body is brownish or greyish. The house mouse, on the other hand, is easily recognized by its large ears.

What damage can mice cause ?

Mice can cause a lot of damage to a property. Here are some examples of common damage caused by mice:

• Material damage: mice need to constantly gnaw to wear down their constantly growing teeth. They can therefore gnaw on electrical wires, pipes, cables, electrical boxes, clothing, papers and other household materials, which can cause significant property damage.
• Food contamination: Mice can contaminate food by leaving their droppings, urine and saliva on food stored in kitchen cupboards or cupboards. This can render food inedible and cause illness in people who eat it.
• Disease transmission: Mice can carry many diseases, including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hemorrhagic fever, and Lyme disease. Mice can transmit these diseases to humans through direct or indirect contact with their feces, urine or saliva.
• Fire Hazards: Mice can gnaw on electrical wires in the home, which can lead to a short circuit and a fire hazard.
• Structural damage: Mice can also dig tunnels and galleries in walls and ceilings, weakening the structure of the house.

How to get rid of mice ?

The first step to getting rid of mice will most likely be to plug the holes through which the mice are entering the house. The environment around the house may also need to be modified. Tall grass, garbage that can be used as food, and piles of wood should be eliminated. Poisoned baits are available on the market. However, they are a risk for other animals and can sometimes cause the death and decomposition of the mouse inside the walls. They may then give off a strong odour, and work may be required to remove them from the walls.

Mouse traps remain very useful tools. However, mice can sometimes remain vigilant, difficult to catch and get rid of completely. 

If the problem persists, it is highly recommended to call a professional exterminator. In addition to inspecting all areas likely to harbor mice, he will exterminate them, ensuring that the problem does not happen again. He will also give you advice to prevent any recurrence of the infestation.