Mice infestation

& Population dynamics in a urban

environment

Daniel Neves, PCO.

BSc (HONS)
 Mice significance

• Hazardous to health
• Damage to food stocks
• Damage to building
• Aesthetics and Nuisance
 Mice Biology
• Secretive, small size, very mobile and nearly
everywhere
• Primarily nocturnal
• Sporadic eaters 3-4g. per day, can survive without
water
• Fast Breeders, population can double every 3-4
weeks
• Small territory 10-12 m. Arround nest
 2001 English House Condition Survey

•EHCS based on
26,300 property with
adequate data on
approximately 17,500
of these.

•Mice activity reported

in last 12 months or
noticed by surveyor.

•Average infestation
level 1.4%.
Percentage of rodent infestations
treated at the time of survey.
Whether Pest Control carried out by a
professional
Infestation levels in 2001 categorised by whether or
not properties were infested in 1996.
Infestation rates by severity of problems in the area

•Surveyors rated
factors such as litter,
neglected buildings,
scruffy gardens,
vacant buildings and
vandalism.
• Results were
combine and plotted
against overall
ratings, total sums up
to 100%.
Infestation rates by age of property
 Growth of a population of mice
•growth rate is small
when the population
size is either small or
large
•Growth rate is
highest when at an
intermediate level
relative to the
carrying capacity
•Limiting factors
make the birth rate
decrease, the death
rate increase or both
 How mice population behave
• Size of mice population is limited to the food
supply and harbourage available in any given
environment .

• If allowed, mice population will build up to the

carrying capacity, then it will transit toward
the surrounding areas.
Limitation of baiting and trapping
Benefit of proofing and tidying
 Infestation remediation
• Educating customers and the community
• Keep living space clean, dry and well
maintained
• Reduce food, water, shelter and movement
• Exclusion from rooms, buildings and other
structures
• Apply judiciously pesticide when necessary
 Main References

• Rodent infestations in domestic properties in England, 2001.

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Website: www.defra.gov.uk

• Commensal Rodent – Biology, Population Dynamics & IPM.

Bio-Integral Resource Center. Website: www.birc.org

The end