6-10 cm – Grey to black
Mammal – High risk
Mouse
The house mouse is a discreet but extremely fertile rodent. They enter homes in search of warmth and food, causing property damage and serious health risks.
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The mouse measures 6 to 10 cm (+ 10 cm tail) for 20 to 50 g. Grey to black fur. Can flatten itself to fit through a hole the size of a dime. Lively and agile, they mark their territories with their urine. 7 species in Canada, of which the house gray mouse is the most common.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It settles in houses, barns and warehouses – behind appliances, in walls, attics and cellars. It enters especially in autumn when temperatures drop. It can travel 50 times its length per second.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, an infestation can double in size in just a few weeks.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Excrement (3-7 mm) in cupboards and nooks and crannies
- Gnawed food in drawers and cupboards
- Gnawed wires and insulation
- Persistent urine odors
- Scratching noise at night
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Disease transmission (hantavirus, salmonellosis)
- Gnaws on electrical wires - fire hazard
- 4 to 8 litters per year of 6 to 12 young: very rapid proliferation
- Damage to insulation, furniture and structures
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Caulk even the smallest cracks
- Store food in airtight jars
- Good household waste management
- Install traps at the first sign of trouble
- Maintain a short lawn and avoid tall grass
- Regularly clean nooks and crannies and behind appliances
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Home location and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan – pre-intervention measurements.
Treatment
Locate main and satellite nests, treat with non-repellent baits.
Follow-up
Inspection visit – written guarantee.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a mouse and a rat?
Mice are much smaller (6-10 cm), with large, rounded ears. Rats are bigger, with much larger droppings.
Are mice dangerous?
Yes, they transmit diseases via their droppings and cause fires by gnawing on electrical wires.
How do you get rid of them?
Immediate caulking + traps. In the event of infestation, professional treatment is essential, as they reproduce very quickly.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.