Many districts of Australia will see a rise in vermin this 2011 due to the rains.
The CSIRO Rodent Research Group generally considers anything over 500 mice per hectare as representing a plague. The entire cycle of a plague is one to two years, with competition between mice causing high populations to crash.
How do I know if I’ve got a mouse problem, or are going to have one?
Monitor your paddocks and farm. Low numbers around haystacks and buildings do not necessarily mean the paddocks are not badly infested, and vice-versa. If numbers have been high in autumn, continue your monitoring through winter and spring. Signs that mice numbers have increased include:
- Numerous burrows
- Mouse droppings on soil and plants and a typical mousey smell
- Large numbers of mice seen at night, in paddocks or on roads
- More birds of prey (e.g. kestrels or kites) around; and
- Sign’s of seeds being dug up, plants being gnawed or pod and head damage.
Four cases of Leptospirosis have been confirmed in the Murrumbidgee Local Health Network. The mouse borne disease has similar symptoms to the common flu.
Farmers are particularly susceptible in the mouse plague, as the infection happens when open wounds come in contact with mouse urine. It’s really important, if people do have cuts they can make sure they cover them.
It’s important that people do go to the doctor if Leptospirosis is suspected because you can get kidney failure, jaundice and meningitis and bleeding on the lungs as a complication. Many people who contract it end up in hospital with it, so if you’re unwell, go and see a doctor for a diagnosis, a blood test will diagnose it.
Shedblog.com.au can provide you with various vermin proofing seals for your sheds, cabins or home.
