List of articles № 11
What Mice Smell Like: Emissions and Reasons
Mice emit a sharp, ammonia‑like smell that originates primarily from nitrogenous waste. Urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia through bacterial activity on the skin and in the environment. This process intensifies in enclosed spaces where moisture and temperature promote bacterial growth.. Date latest changes:
Creeping Mouse Sounds: How to Detect Rodent Presence
Rodent acoustic monitoring relies on two measurable parameters: the frequency content of mouse-generated sounds and the associated sound pressure level (SPL). Accurate interpretation of these parameters enables reliable identification of rodent activity in concealed environments.. Date latest changes:
Mice rely on a highly developed olfactory system to locate food, identify conspecifics, and assess safety. Their nasal epithelium contains millions of receptor neurons, each tuned to specific chemical structures. When an odor molecule binds to a receptor, a neural signal travels to the olfactory bulb and then to brain regions that govern feeding behavior, social interaction, and predator avoidance.. Date latest changes:
How to clean mouse glue: cleaning recommendations
Glue traps are flat devices coated with a strong, non‑drying adhesive designed to capture rodents on contact. The adhesive remains tacky for extended periods, allowing a mouse that steps onto the surface to become immobilized without the need for a lethal mechanism.. Date latest changes:
Mouse or Porcupine: Comparison of Animal Traits
Mice and porcupines exhibit markedly different patterns of biological diversity and geographic distribution. Both groups belong to the order Rodentia, yet their evolutionary trajectories have produced distinct species richness, habitat preferences, and continental ranges.. Date latest changes:
Using Cat Sounds to Deter Mice
Feline vocalizations trigger innate avoidance responses in rodent prey. When a mouse hears a cat’s hiss or yowl, its central nervous system registers a high‑risk cue, prompting immediate flight or freezing behavior. This reaction reflects a fundamental predator‑prey interaction:. Date latest changes:
What Mice Eat in Domestic Settings
Mice that inhabit residential kitchens gravitate toward dry, easily stored foods. Their small size and high metabolism drive constant foraging, making pantry supplies a primary resource. Wheat flour Rice (white, brown, wild) Oats, rolled or instant Cornmeal and cornflakes Pasta, uncooked Crackers, pretzels, chips Bread crumbs and dried dough Cereal grains (cereal, granola) Peanut butter and nut spreads Dried beans and lentils These items provide carboh. Date latest changes:
What Repels Mice and Rats: Preferences and Aversion
Rodents rely on a keen sense of smell to assess their environment, making olfactory cues decisive in food selection, nesting sites, and predator avoidance. Odors that attract rodents Grain‑derived volatiles such as hexanal and pentanal Sweet fermentations, notably ethanol and acetic acid Meat and fish extracts containing trimethylamine Certain fruit aromatics, especially ethyl butyrate Odors that repel rodents Peppermint oil, primarily menthol and mentho. Date latest changes:
How to Effectively Wash Glue Used for Mice from the Floor
Adhesive formulations determine both trapping efficiency and cleaning difficulty. Understanding the chemistry of each type helps select appropriate removal methods and protective measures. Common categories include: Water‑soluble adhesives:. Date latest changes:
What Happens If a Cat Eats a Poisoned Mouse or Rat
Anticoagulant rodenticides block the vitamin K cycle, preventing clotting factor synthesis. When a cat swallows a mouse or rat that has been treated with these compounds, the toxin is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream.. Date latest changes:
Mice in the Basement: Why They Choose Dark Shelters Under Our Home
Mice that inhabit the lower levels of residential buildings often rely on food that is not immediately obvious to occupants. Their survival depends on exploiting resources that accumulate in concealed or infrequently accessed areas. Common unexpected food sources include:. Date latest changes:
Carrots supply a range of micronutrients that influence the nutritional balance of a rat’s diet. • Vitamin A – present as beta‑carotene, essential for vision, immune function and epithelial health. • Vitamin K – contributes to blood coagulation and bone metabolism, though levels are modest.. Date latest changes:
How Rats Jump: Amazing Abilities
Rats possess a suite of morphological and neuromuscular adaptations that enable remarkable vertical and horizontal leaps. Their hindlimb musculature, dominated by the gastrocnemius and soleus, generates rapid force bursts, while elongated metatarsal bones increase stride length.. Date latest changes:
Rat in the Barn: How to Get Rid of an Uninvited Guest
Rats leave unmistakable evidence that distinguishes a minor sighting from a developing infestation. Early detection prevents structural damage, disease transmission, and costly remediation. • Droppings resembling dark grains, typically found along runways, in corners, and near food sources.. Date latest changes:
How Many Teeth Does a Rat Have
Rats possess a pair of continuously growing incisors in each jaw, a feature that enables persistent gnawing. The enamel on the front surface is exceptionally hard, while the underlying dentine is softer; this contrast creates a self‑sharpening edge as the softer material wears faster during chewing.. Date latest changes:
Do Rats Need a Wheel in Their Cage?
Wild rats travel extensive distances each night while foraging, often covering 150–250 m within a single activity bout. Their locomotion combines rapid sprinting, frequent changes of direction, and vertical climbing on structures up to 30 cm high.. Date latest changes:
Selafort is a selenium‑based nutritional additive formulated for laboratory rodents. The product contains sodium selenite stabilized in a water‑soluble matrix, delivering a precise amount of elemental selenium per unit weight. Selenium acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting immune function.. Date latest changes:
Rat with Large Eyes: Rare Morphology
Genetic determinants of ocular morphology in rodents with enlarged ocular structures have been identified through extensive molecular analysis. Mutations affecting transcription factors, signaling pathways, and structural proteins drive phenotypic variation in eye size, corneal thickness, and retinal organization.. Date latest changes:
Best Rat Food: Little One Brand Review
Little One rat food supplies the three macronutrients required for healthy growth and maintenance. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle and tissue repair. Fat delivers concentrated energy and supports the absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins.. Date latest changes:
Treatment of Respiratory Syndrome in Rats
Respiratory syndrome in laboratory rats originates from several well‑characterized sources that must be recognized before therapeutic interventions are applied. Bacterial pathogens – Mycoplasma pulmonis and Bordetella bronchiseptica commonly colonize the upper airway, producing chronic inflammation and mucus accumulation.. Date latest changes:
How to Listen to Rat Squeaks: Recording Sound
Ultrasonic communication in rodents involves vocalizations above the human hearing threshold, typically ranging from 20 kHz to 100 kHz. Rats emit these high‑frequency calls during social interaction, exploration, and stress responses, providing a non‑verbal channel for rapid information exchange.. Date latest changes:
Abdominal Tumor in a Rat: Signs
Rat abdominal neoplasms comprise a limited spectrum of histological categories, each associated with distinct morphological and clinical characteristics. Common malignant forms include: Hepatocellular carcinoma – primary liver tumor, often presenting as a solitary mass with infiltrative borders.. Date latest changes:
What to Do If Bitten by a Domestic Rat: Veterinarian Advice
When a domestic rat bites, immediate attention to the wound reduces infection risk. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop bleeding, then rinse the area with running water for at least one minute. Cleaning the wound involves three essential steps:. Date latest changes:
Mechanism of action of rat poisons
First‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides are vitamin K antagonists that disrupt blood coagulation by blocking the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR). Inhibition of VKOR prevents the regeneration of reduced vitamin K, a cofactor required for γ‑carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X.. Date latest changes:
How to Choose the Sex of a Future Rat Pet
Male rats possess distinct anatomical features that allow reliable identification of sex before acquisition. The most evident external characteristic is the presence of a scrotum, a sacular structure located posterior to the ventral abdomen.. Date latest changes:
How to Choose an Ultrasonic Repeller for Rats and Mice for a Clean Home
Ultrasonic waves are sound vibrations with frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing, typically exceeding 20 kHz. Devices that emit these frequencies generate a rapid oscillation of a piezoelectric element, converting electrical energy into mechanical motion.. Date latest changes:
20‑Liter Bottle Trap: How to Catch Rats
Recognizing a rat problem early increases the effectiveness of a 20‑liter bottle trap. Visible evidence of activity guides placement and bait selection. Droppings: Small, dark pellets found along walls, behind appliances, or in storage areas.. Date latest changes:
Mint as a Natural Mouse Repellent
Mice enter residential spaces primarily in search of food, shelter, and water. Food sources that are easily accessible—such as uncovered pantry items, pet food left out overnight, and crumbs on countertops—provide a strong lure. Moisture from leaky pipes, damp basements, or condensation on windows creates an environment conducive to nesting.. Date latest changes:
Large Field Mouse: Traits and Habitat
The large field mouse typically measures 8–12 cm from nose to the base of the tail, with a tail length of 5–9 cm. Body mass ranges from 15 to 30 g, depending on age, sex, and seasonal food availability. Adult males average slightly larger dimensions and heavier weights than females, reflecting modest sexual dimorphism.. Date latest changes:
Mouse Scrapers: The Sound Every Owner Hears
The auditory phenomenon associated with rodent‑capture devices manifests as a brief, high‑frequency snap generated when the spring mechanism releases. The sound originates from the rapid acceleration of the metal bar striking the cage, producing a tonal burst that lasts less than a tenth of a second.. Date latest changes:
Mice seek refuge inside residential structures when external threats become intolerable. Predation pressure forces them to abandon open foraging areas and relocate to locations that provide concealment, stable temperature, and limited access for hunters.. Date latest changes:
Disinfection against mice in the apartment: steps to cleanliness
Rodent feces and urine create a direct health hazard and a persistent odor that signals infestation. Droppings may contain hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospira; inhalation of dried particles can cause respiratory illness. Urine leaves ammonia‑rich residues that attract insects and embed in porous surfaces, making elimination difficult.. Date latest changes:
Do Neutered Cats Catch Mice? Behavioral Study
Testosterone levels correlate with intensity of predatory motivation in intact male felines. Elevated androgen concentrations increase neural activity in the hypothalamic‑amygdala circuit that mediates pursuit and capture of small prey. Surgical castration reduces circulating testosterone by more than 90 %, leading to measurable declines in frequency of hunting attempts and latency to initiate chase behavior.. Date latest changes:
Mice navigate environments by relying on scent trails, tactile feedback, and visual cues. Their nocturnal activity peaks during twilight hours, when natural light is low and predation risk is reduced. Recognizing these patterns informs the placement and timing of capture devices.. Date latest changes:
Cats that seize mice display a spectrum of responses ranging from immediate consumption to prolonged manipulation. The observed actions reflect a balance between instinctual predation and exploratory play. The predatory drive supplies essential protein and stimulates the release of dopamine, reinforcing the act of killing and eating.. Date latest changes:
How Often Does a Female Mouse Give Birth per Year
The gestation period for laboratory and wild house mice (Mus musculus) averages 19–21 days, with 20 days accepted as the standard value. This interval is remarkably consistent across strains, although slight extensions up to 23 days may occur in colder environments or when maternal age increases.. Date latest changes:
What to Do If You Hear Mouse Scratching Inside a Wall
Hearing scratching noises within a wall, ceiling, or floor signals rodent activity that can damage structural components and create health hazards. First, ensure safety by turning off electricity in the affected area and keeping pets and children away from the opening.. Date latest changes:
How to Fill Gaps Between Wall and Drywall to Prevent Mice Entry
Small cracks and holes along the junction of wall framing and drywall provide direct entry points for rodents. Even gaps as narrow as a pencil lead allow mice to squeeze through, making thorough sealing essential for effective exclusion. Begin by inspecting the entire perimeter where the wall meets the drywall.. Date latest changes:
The Toothful Mouse and the Wealthy Sparrow: A Popular School Story About Animal Friendship
The narrative of the tooth‑loving mouse and the affluent sparrow has circulated primarily through spoken retellings among pupils. Its transmission relies on communal storytelling sessions, classroom recitations, and informal exchanges during recess.. Date latest changes:
Rats produce a wide range of vocalizations that convey distinct physiological and behavioral states. Each sound occupies a specific frequency band, duration, and intensity, allowing conspecifics to interpret the emitter’s condition quickly. Low‑frequency grunts (≈ 100–400 Hz):. Date latest changes: