In the United States alone, the estimated damage that mice can incur annually is 1 Billion. This figure is not actually the total economic loss due to the amount of their consumption. But largely due to the things that must be put to garbage after the damage and contamination that they have done. Clothing, books, foods and the likes are contaminated by their droppings and urines and also be partially due to gnawing. Gnawing may cause electrical short circuiting as well impairment of some household items.
These are reasons enough why there is a great need to exterminate the specie. To further prove the point, mice are also known to cause some diseases such as leptospirosis, rat fever, salmonelossis and others.
Mice are nocturnal in nature, this is why they are seldom seen roaming the household. The only obvious signs that they are present are their droppings and occasional sounds that they make. Another indication is damage to food, stored materials and other household items. The specie is known for their curiosity. With this they seem to have created a habit of inspecting everything in their territory specially the new items.
Their habit of searching food is limited only for shorter distances, around 10 feet or so. If the supply of food is enough in a specific place, they normally don't explore beyond their territories. This is why mouse traps are often effective in eliminating the number of mouse population in certain areas.
There are several types of mouse traps. But whichever version you may choose, it is best to maximize the benefit of each.
Mouse trap placement is essential. It would be better to observe first the activities and signs of presence of the house pests before doing appropriate actions. The most ideal position of the mouse trap is to place them perpendicular to walls, to snug places, along tubes, tunnels and walls.
Some of the best baits for mice are the chocolate and water for live catch but the staples are cheese and peanut butter. It is also best to make use of cotton and other nesting materials.
It is advisable to use as many mice traps as possible to increase rate of catch.
In some cases, mouse traps don't work efficiently. This is mainly because the culprits for the loss of the bait are not mice at all. They may often be other pests like roaches, ants and crickets. To ensure better effectivity of catching mice, assure yourself that is mice you are catching. You may seek help by using non-repellant materials to expose anything that may point you to the real culprit.
Additionally, be sure that you are using the proper mouse trap. Rattraps don't effectively capture mice and mouse traps will only cause irritation to rats. if you have a mixed population in your household, you may choose to use T-Rex. This will capture rats a well as mice.
Check on your baits. The ultimate and most effective mouse trap bait is the one which effectively lures mice and does not easily detach from the mouse trap. You may try different settings and find which best works for your situation.
To further yield better results, expert rodent exterminators often advise the use of more mouse traps containing smaller baits rather than larger amounts of baits for fewer mouse traps.
