I'm normally a wishy easy animal lover, but not of rats. Death to the rats!
We had a leak in our downstairs toilet last year. Apparently the sewer rats had half chewed through the anti rat barrier, which hadn't been installed properly. He installed an extra strength one, properly this time.
yes, it's a dirty business & completely undesirable. saddens me quite a bit. neighbor & I met in the parking lot this morning. we each got one (mouse) overnight. as far as I know we are the only 2ppl in our 6 unit bldg doing it. I'm up to 9 mice, I think. pretty sure they got at least double. so let's say we eliminated 27 mice, how many more, statistically might there be?
"ai" says:
Catching 27 mice indicates a
significant infestation, and it is highly likely that there are many more mice present in the building. There is no reliable "magic number" or fixed ratio to predict the exact remaining population, but experts often suggest that for every mouse seen or caught, many others remain hidden.
Why You Likely Have Many More Mice
- Mice are social and secretive: They are community-based animals and adept hiders. They are also nocturnal, so seeing them during the day usually means nests are overcrowded.
- Rapid reproduction: A single female mouse can produce 5 to 10 litters per year, with each litter averaging 5-8 pups, and reaching sexual maturity in just 6-8 weeks. The population grows exponentially under ideal indoor conditions.
- Catching is not elimination: Catching mice with traps only addresses a portion of the population; it rarely eliminates the entire infestation, which often includes hidden nests and entry points.
Next Steps
Given the high number of mice caught, professional pest control intervention is strongly recommended. They can accurately assess the severity, locate all entry points and nests, and implement a comprehensive treatment plan.
In the meantime, you should take immediate action to manage the situation:
- Seal entry points: Use materials like steel wool, caulk, and expanding foam to seal all visible holes and gaps in the building's exterior and interior, as mice can squeeze through very small openings.
- Remove food sources: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed, hard plastic or metal containers to cut off their food supply.
- Clean thoroughly: Immediately clean up any droppings, urine, and nesting materials, and maintain a clean environment to make the area less inviting.
- Set more traps: Continue setting out traps (snap traps are often effective) in areas with signs of activity.
