Radio Time! Problems & Solutions Thursday, Oct 30!

On Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 9:10 a.m. – 10 a.m. CT, I’ll be a guest on Cathy Blythe’s award winning radio show, Problems and Solutions, on KFOR 1240AM. We’ll be talking about insect and wildlife pests commonly found in southeast Nebraska in a segment called, “What’s Bugging You?” The show airs in several different states so we work hard to make it interesting and educational for everyone! Last month, we even ran out of time! There were so many great questions from listeners who called in or sent in email questions! Certainly keeps me hopping and I love it!

Turn your radio dial to 1240AM or listen online live by clicking the button at http://www.kfor1240.com/pages/4498752.php.  To find the podcast of this show later, click here: http://www.kfor1240.com/Problems-and-Solutions/5430870

As always, be sure to contact your local university extension office for information on programs and resources found in your local community. To find your local office, visit http://lancaster.unl.edu/office/locate.shtml

Have a great day!

Soni

Responsive. Innovative. Trusted.
UNL Extension provides research-based information to help you make informed decisions any time, any place, anywhere – http://lancaster.unl.edu

Dribbles & Piddles: Cleaning Up After Mice!

Mouse droppings compared to a penny

Yesterday I talked about keeping mice out and trapping…. today it is all about the how, what and why of clean up!

Each house mouse leaves us between 50 to 75 pellets (mouse droppings) per day as they explore our living spaces. Some animals leave droppings in piles, but not the mouse. Mouse droppings will be scattered as they run along places like our floors and countertops (where we prepare food!). The droppings are about the size of a grain of rice and usually look black depending on what the mouse has been eating. Mice also dribble urine (or as my mom would say “piddle”) everywhere they run!

Mouse in the House? No Thanks!

This is the time of year when mice make their way into homes. It’s a little creepy to think about, but right now mice may be circling your home, garage or business sensing places where warm air leaks from the building. Once a source of warmth is found, mice will try to make their way into the structure. Did you know mice can squeeze through openings that are 1/4″ or larger? That’s a hole or crack as big as a dime – anything you can poke a pencil through!

House mice are significant pests. They consume and contaminate food meant for humans, livestock and other animals. They damage structures and can carry transmit several diseases. Mouse urine may also trigger asthma in some people.

Once inside, mice will go towards where they will be warmest. This explains why people have problems with mice living around refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, water heaters, even attics and furnaces.

There are many reasons to prevent mice from entering your home or structure. They transmit disease, chew through wood and wiring and can contaminate food. In Nebraska alone, house mice cause $20 million in damage to stored feeds and structures each year (UNL Extension source: Controlling House Mice)

The best defense against mice in the first place is to “pest-proof” your home. Caulk, cement, mortar, and hardware cloth are all examples of materials you can use to help prevent mice from entering the home. Steel wool can also be used to temporarily plug openings. Check out  “Don’t put the welcome mat out! Pest Proofing!”

So what do you do if you have mice in the house? We don’t recommend the use of baits in the home but do advocate for using snap traps. Rodent control experts say most people do not use enough traps. For only a couple of mice in a home, you should be using at least a dozen traps. For larger infestations, use more! 

November/December NEBLINE Newsletter is on-line… it’s Free!

 

The November/December issue of The NEBLINE newsletter is now on-line. Timely articles for you and your family!

Below I’ve listed some of the articles featured in the free on-line November/December issue.

Visit http://lancaster.unl.edu/nebline and click on the link to the November/December 2014 NEBLINE!

• TINY TASTES Can Total BIG CALORIES Over the Holiday Season
• Quick, 5-Ingredient Recipes: Orange & Sweet Potato Pork Chops, Microwave Mexican Omelet, Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
• With Kids and Divorce There’s More Than a “Day” in Holiday
• How often should my furnace filter be changed?
• Stem Borers Challenge Soybean Farmers
• Gardening Resolutions
• November/December Garden Guide
• Managing Pantry Insects
• Winter Wildlife Projects
• Gary Bergman Retires Public Invited to Reception Nov. 5
• 4-H & Youth News, Events and more
• …. and much more

If you don’t live in Lancaster County, Nebraska, please make sure to check out your local extension office too. Your extension office has resources for you, your family and community. To find your local office, visit http://lancaster.unl.edu/office/locate.shtml (nationwide listing).

Have a great day!!

Soni

Responsive. Innovative. Trusted.
UNL Extension provides research-based information to help you make informed decisions any time, any place, anywhere – http://lancaster.unl.edu