•A National Treasure •Tame Your Temper •Diet Mistakes

“Lots of people believe that poison will dehydrate mice when they die, so there’s
no smell. That’s a complete myth. Dead mice smell!”
Fighting off furry pests
There are three things a homeowner should do to
prevent mice from moving in.
1. Block All Access Routes
Mice can get in your dryer vents, cracks in the
foundation or any spaces between decks and
sunrooms. Mice have been known to shimmy up a
drain pipes leading in the house. Keep them out
by plugging openings with steel wool. Scattering
mothballs around (beyond reach of pets or
children) reportedly discourages mice.
2. Remove Potential Food Sources
Garages, often rich with nesting material, also
attract mice. If you store pet food or dry goods
there, you are providing the second requirement
for a mousefest: a steady food source. Birdfeeders
are another easy target.
3. Leave No Space Undisturbed
To discourage mice tidy and declutter frequently.
Mice look for snug homes where they’ll be left
alone. Under cupboards, under appliances, in
closets you don’t use much; these are all good
places to nest. Prevention is best!
Know your foe
• Mice don’t require
water. They get all the
moisture they need from
food.
• They can squeeze
through 1/2-centimetre
(1/4-inch) openings.
• Mice climb well and
can jump about 45
centimetres (18 inches)
into the air. They can
also swim.
• Mice prefer highprotein
foods such as
nuts, seeds, or pet food.
They’re not fond of
cheese, so use peanut
butter to bait traps
instead.
• Mice are curious, and
will investigate objects
placed along their paths.
• If all their needs are
The Usual Suspects
met, mice may not
venture more than three
metres (10 feet) from
their nests.
• Mice are nocturnal.
They make dozens of
food-gathering trips
each night.
• One mouse can
produce up to 100 fecal
pellets per day, and
leave hundreds of small
droplets of urine in its
travels. The United
Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization
estimates 20 to 33
percent of the world’s
total food supply is lost
to rodents.
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