When setting products for mice or rat removal it can be beneficial to understand how these rodents operate to ensure a smooth eviction. Mice and rats are creatures of habit. They may not have the best vision, however they are able to navigate terrain acrobatically. How do mice and rats navigate their way with visual deficiencies? How can traps be set more effectively knowing their habits?
Mice and rats are classified as prey animals. They are near sighted and only able to see a couple of feet ahead at a time. Additionally, mice and rats are nocturnal critters preforming most of their activities at night. Their vision is developed to help them evade predators.
Mice and rats have eyes on the sides of their heads instead of facing forward. The placement of their eyes limits their ability to perceive depth. However, they are capable of moving each eye independently. This allows them to keep one eye scanning above for aerial predators and one eye on the ground to forage for resources. Mice and rats will utilize their other senses to navigate their terrain. A basic understanding of their habits will make trap placement more effective.
- Smell- Mice and rats can communicate through scent. They can leave pheromones behind for other rodents to smell and can sniff signs of danger. Rats have been habitually observed avoiding traps set by humans with bare hands. The residual oils from ones hands left on the trap can be smelt by rodents and trigger trap aversion. Traps set by humans wearing gloves have higher success rates.
- Touch- Rats and mice are equipped with highly developed whiskers and body hairs. To aid their poor vision mice and rats will use their whiskers to guide them in their travel. They will typically travel along walls and perimeters of structures making contact with their whiskers. Rats and mice are not typically observed roaming around in open space. Traps set along walls (interior or exterior) are more effective than traps set in the middle of rooms/open areas.
- Trails- Mice and rats are not the cleanest critters. They do not have a dedicated latrine area. They will urinate and deposit excrement on their path of travel. Their excrement trail can can be followed and used to aid in locating entry points. Rat entry points will usually have dark stains around them. The stains are deposits from the grease on their coats as they squeeze into holes.
Mice and rats are prey to many in the critter world. Their vision may not be the best but their other senses are advanced. Understanding that rats and mice travel familiar paths, staying tight to perimeters and smelling for danger can help with effective trap placement and trap setting. These critters will leave behind clues to highlight their routes and entrance points.
For more information on mice and rat removal contact the wildlife team at Critter Evictors!