List of articles № 91
Parable of the Lion and the Mouse: Lessons of Humility and Strength
The story of the lion and the mouse originates in the corpus of ancient Greek fable tradition, most notably within the collections attributed to Aesop. Early Greek manuscripts, such as the 2nd‑century CE Pandects of Aphthonius, contain a concise version in which a captive mouse frees a trapped lion, establishing the narrative foundation for later moral interpretations.. Date latest changes:
How to Identify a Mouse with an Unusually Long Snout
Average snout length for a typical laboratory or house mouse (Mus musculus) measures 10–12 mm from the tip of the nose to the oral opening. Field mice of the same genus display similar dimensions, with most species ranging between 9 mm and 14 mm.. Date latest changes:
Mice eat cacti: interesting facts
Mice that feed on desert cacti must obtain water and nutrients from a plant that stores most of its moisture internally. Their oral and gastrointestinal adaptations allow rapid extraction of liquid from spongy tissues, while enzymatic breakdown of mucilage releases dissolved sugars, amino acids, and minerals.. Date latest changes:
Insulation That Mice Won’t Chew: How to Choose Material
Rodent infestations arise when mice or rats locate food, shelter, and nesting sites within a building. These animals are attracted by accessible entry points, abundant crumbs, and warm, undisturbed spaces. Their gnawing behavior enables them to breach soft materials, including many conventional insulation products.. Date latest changes:
Repeller for Rats and Mice: Top Model Rankings
Ultrasonic devices emit high‑frequency sound waves that exceed the hearing range of humans but are audible to rodents. The sound causes discomfort and disrupts the communication patterns of rats and mice, prompting them to vacate the area. These units operate continuously, drawing power from mains electricity or battery sources, and typically include adjustable frequency settings to target specific pest species.. Date latest changes:
The Laos rock rat was first recognized as a distinct species in 2005 during a biodiversity survey of the Khammouan limestone karsts in central Laos. Researchers from the French National Museum of Natural History and the University of Kansas collected several specimens from rocky outcrops and cave entrances, noting morphological traits that did not match any known murid rodents.. Date latest changes:
How to attract a rat: proven traps and baits
Rats encountered in pest‑control operations belong primarily to two species, each with distinct ecological preferences that influence trap placement and bait selection. The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) inhabits ground‑level environments such as basements, sewers, and outdoor burrows.. Date latest changes:
American Cycloptic Rat: Characteristics
The species first entered scientific literature during the late 19th‑century North American zoological surveys, a period marked by extensive fieldwork in the Mississippi River basin. Naturalist Edwin H. Caldwell documented the organism in 1887 while cataloguing rodent fauna for the United States Geological Survey.. Date latest changes:
Rat Wheezing: What It May Indicate
Wheezing is a high‑pitched, musical sound produced during breathing when air passes through narrowed or partially blocked airways. The turbulence generated by the constricted passage creates the characteristic whistling tone that can be heard with a stethoscope or, in some cases, without equipment.. Date latest changes:
Folk Remedies for Rats: Proven Recipes
Folk-based rodent control methods often involve substances that pose significant hazards to people and domestic animals. Exposure routes include inhalation of aerosolized powders, dermal contact with caustic mixtures, and accidental ingestion of bait residues.. Date latest changes:
Rats encounter a variety of natural water sources while foraging in outdoor habitats. These environments shape their behavior toward moisture and affect their willingness to enter or avoid water. Running streams – provide continuous flow, high oxygen levels, and cooler temperatures;. Date latest changes:
How to Catch a Ground Rat: Traps and Tips
Ground rats are medium‑sized rodents, typically measuring 20–30 cm in body length with tails adding another 10–20 cm. Adult weight ranges from 150 g to 350 g, varying with age, sex, and seasonal fat reserves. Fur: dense, coarse hair; dorsal coloration ranges from dark brown to gray, often with a lighter ventral side.. Date latest changes:
Allergic rhinitis in rats serves as a reproducible model for studying nasal inflammation triggered by IgE‑mediated responses. Sensitization typically involves intraperitoneal injection of an allergen such as ovalbumin combined with an adjuvant, followed by repeated intranasal challenges that provoke eosinophilic infiltration, mucosal edema, and increased nasal secretions.. Date latest changes:
Essential Items for Keeping a Rat
Rats require a cage that allows unrestricted movement and safe navigation. Minimum floor space should be 2 sq ft (approximately 0.19 m²) per adult, with larger enclosures preferred for groups. Height must accommodate climbing; a minimum of 12 in (30 cm) is advisable, though taller structures encourage natural behavior.. Date latest changes:
What Does It Mean When a Rat Chops Its Teeth?
Rats grind their incisors as a natural response to continuous tooth growth. The activity, commonly referred to as «bruxism», serves to keep the teeth at a functional length and maintain sharp edges for gnawing. Key factors that trigger this behavior include:. Date latest changes:
Can Rats Be Given Strawberries: Is It Beneficial?
Strawberries provide a notable amount of vitamin C, with approximately 58 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit. This concentration exceeds the daily requirement of laboratory rats, which is estimated at 10–20 mg kg⁻¹ of body weight. Rats metabolize vitamin C efficiently;. Date latest changes:
How to Treat Neck Wounds in Rats
Neck injuries in laboratory rats frequently arise from aggressive interactions between cage mates. Recognizing the behavioral triggers that lead to such wounds is essential for effective management. Aggressive bouts typically involve biting, neck wrestling, and forced displacement, which generate puncture or laceration sites on the cervical region.. Date latest changes:
What Attracts Rats the Most? Best Baits
Rats are omnivorous mammals with a strong preference for high‑energy, easily digestible foods. Their foraging behavior centers on items that provide calories, moisture, and nutrients with minimal effort to obtain. Grains and cereals: wheat, corn, rice, and oats contain carbohydrates that fuel rapid metabolism.. Date latest changes:
Why does a rat sleep with eyes open
Rats exhibit two primary sleep stages—non‑rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). During NREM, muscle tone increases, brain activity slows, and the eyelids typically remain partially open. In REM, cortical activity resembles wakefulness, muscle atonia occurs, and the eyes frequently move beneath the lids, often resulting in an open‑eye appearance.. Date latest changes:
Rats need a balanced diet that supplies protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in specific proportions. Protein should represent 14–16 % of total calories; sources include cooked egg, lean meat, or high‑quality rodent pellets. Fat provides 5–7 % of calories;. Date latest changes:
Best Device for Repelling Mice and Rats at Home
Rodent droppings and urine stains are primary indicators of infestation and present health hazards that any effective home rodent deterrent must address. Fresh droppings appear as small, dark, pellet‑shaped deposits, typically 3–5 mm long, found along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed spaces.. Date latest changes:
What Rats Fear Most and How to Use It Against Them
Rats react strongly to the presence of natural hunters, which triggers avoidance behavior and limits foraging range. Owls and hawks hunt rats from the air, creating a visual and auditory threat that discourages activity near open fields and rooftops.. Date latest changes:
Mice in the Attic: Detection and Eradication Tips
Droppings and urine provide the most reliable evidence of rodent activity in an attic. Their presence confirms infestation, indicates population size, and reveals movement patterns, allowing targeted control measures. Mouse feces are small, dark, and spindle‑shaped, typically 3–5 mm long.. Date latest changes:
Why mice chew foam and how to prevent it
Mice are hard‑wired to seek soft, pliable substances for constructing nests. Foam provides the texture and insulation that satisfy this drive, prompting rodents to bite, tear, and rearrange it into a shelter. The behavior also serves a dental function:. Date latest changes:
What Is the Term for a Large Mouse: Species and Characteristics
Large mouse species, often referred to as “field mice” or “house mice” that exceed typical sizes, differ from rats in several measurable ways. Size alone is insufficient; morphological traits provide reliable separation. Body length: Large mice usually range from 8 to 12 cm, while rats commonly exceed 15 cm.. Date latest changes:
Why Do Mice Smell: Causes of the Odor
Mice emit a distinctive «musky» odor that results from a combination of volatile compounds produced by specialized glands, urine, and skin secretions. This scent serves as a chemical signal for territory marking, reproductive status, and predator avoidance, and it contributes significantly to the overall smell associated with rodent populations.. Date latest changes:
Mouse or rat: how to correctly identify the species
Correct identification of small rodent species directly influences assessment of health hazards and control measures. Mice and rats differ in pathogen reservoirs, transmission pathways, and epidemiological significance. Rodent‑borne diseases frequently associated with mice include:. Date latest changes:
How to Differentiate a Young Rat from a Mouse?
Accurate identification of juvenile rats versus mice reduces exposure to rodent‑borne pathogens. Misclassification can lead to handling the wrong species, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission and compromising laboratory or household safety.. Date latest changes:
Effective Ways to Repel Rats and Mice
Rodent droppings and urine stains signal active presence, contaminate surfaces, and attract additional pests. Their detection allows rapid response before damage escalates. Typical signs include dark, pellet‑shaped feces about half an inch long, found near food sources, nesting sites, or along walls.. Date latest changes:
What diseases can mice transmit to humans
Mice serve as reservoirs for a variety of pathogens capable of infecting humans. Transmission occurs through several distinct routes. Direct contact with contaminated fur, saliva, or bite wounds introduces agents such as hantavirus and leptospira into the bloodstream.. Date latest changes:
Which scent mice dislike in the house
Scent glands produce volatile compounds that serve as chemical signals for rodents. These secretions convey information about territorial boundaries, reproductive status, and threat levels. When a mouse encounters an unfamiliar odor, the olfactory system compares it with the baseline established by its own glandular output.. Date latest changes:
DIY Ultrasonic Repeller for Mice and Rats
Ultrasound consists of sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing, typically greater than 20 kHz. In the context of rodent deterrence, frequencies between 30 kHz and 70 kHz are most effective because mice and rats possess auditory sensitivity that peaks in this range.. Date latest changes:
How to Get Rid of Rats and Mice in an Apartment Without Health Risks
Rodents harbor a range of pathogens that can cause serious illness in humans living in apartments. Direct contact with rodent urine, feces, saliva, or bites transmits most infections, while inhalation of aerosolized particles from contaminated dust spreads others.. Date latest changes:
The photographic collection of marsh rats reveals a compact body built for a semi‑aquatic lifestyle. Adults typically measure 12–18 cm in head‑to‑body length, with a tail extending an additional 10–15 cm. Dense, water‑repellent fur ranges from dark brown to reddish‑gray, providing camouflage among reeds and mud.. Date latest changes:
How to entertain a rat: games and activities for a smart pet
Rats constantly explore their surroundings, using whiskers, scent, and tactile sense to investigate new objects. This innate drive makes novelty a primary motivator for engagement. Providing fresh stimuli prevents boredom and encourages problem‑solving.. Date latest changes:
Golden‑Mouth Water Rat: Species Characteristics
The species commonly known as the golden‑mouth water rat is formally designated Hydromys chrysogaster (Müller, 1840). It belongs to the family Muridae, subfamily Hydromyinae, within the order Rodentia. The epithet “chrysogaster” derives from Greek roots meaning “golden belly,” reflecting the distinctive coloration of the ventral fur.. Date latest changes:
Rat Poisoning: Effective Control Methods
Rats leave distinct evidence that signals a developing infestation. Recognizing these indicators enables timely intervention with anticoagulant baits and other control measures. Typical signs include: Fresh droppings, ½‑inch long, dark brown, found along walls, in cupboards, or near food sources.. Date latest changes:
Can Rats Eat Meat? Meat Feeding Advice
Wild rats survive by exploiting a broad spectrum of food sources available in their habitats. Their natural diet reflects opportunistic omnivory, combining plant matter, animal protein, and waste material. Typical components include: Grains and cereals such as wheat, barley, and rice.. Date latest changes:
What Infections Do Rats Carry?
Rats are natural reservoirs for hantavirus, a group of rodent‑borne pathogens that can cause severe disease in humans. The virus persists in the kidneys of infected rats and is shed in urine, feces, and saliva. Human exposure typically occurs through inhalation of aerosolized particles contaminated with these secretions, or, less commonly, through direct contact or bites.. Date latest changes:
Number of Rats per Litter: Reproductive Data
Genetic predisposition significantly influences litter size in laboratory rats, as demonstrated by quantitative reproductive records. Heritability estimates for offspring number range from 0.30 to 0.45, indicating that a substantial proportion of variation originates from inherited factors rather than environmental conditions alone.. Date latest changes: