What should you do if there are mice in a laboratory? - briefly
Isolate the affected area, alert the biosafety manager, use approved humane traps or euthanasia, disinfect all surfaces, and record the incident in the laboratory log.
What should you do if there are mice in a laboratory? - in detail
If rodents are discovered in a research environment, secure the area immediately. Close doors, seal ventilation openings, and restrict access to prevent further spread.
- Notify the designated biosafety officer or facility manager without delay. Provide precise location, number of animals observed, and any signs of damage or contamination.
- Equip personnel with appropriate personal protective equipment—gloves, lab coat, eye protection, and, when necessary, a respirator.
- Conduct a systematic inspection to locate nests, entry points, and food sources. Use flashlights and, if available, motion‑activated cameras to verify hidden populations.
- Implement humane capture methods. Common tools include live‑catch traps baited with grain or peanut butter, positioned along walls and near suspected pathways. Check traps at least every two hours to reduce stress on captured mice.
- Transfer captured rodents to an approved holding facility following institutional animal‑care protocols. Document species, sex, weight, and health status before disposal or relocation.
- Decontaminate the affected zone. Clean surfaces with an EPA‑registered disinfectant, remove food residues, and replace compromised building materials such as insulation or wiring that may have been gnawed.
- Record the incident in the laboratory’s pest‑management log. Include date, time, actions taken, and outcomes. Review the entry during the next safety audit to assess effectiveness of the response.
- Strengthen preventive measures:
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations with steel wool or silicone caulk.
- Store all consumables in sealed containers.
- Maintain regular waste removal schedules.
- Schedule quarterly inspections by a certified pest‑control contractor.
Adhering to these procedures eliminates the immediate threat, safeguards experimental integrity, and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.