¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

Unknown author (original) Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Hazard Description

Mice are wild animals that will naturally seek food and shelter. When mice gain access to spaces where we live or work they often cause property damage and their fecal matter may pose a risk to human health. For example, certain mice (e.g., rural deer mice) may carry hantavirus. Human exposure to hantavirus may occur by aerosolization or direct contact with infected mouse urine, saliva and feces. The virus can be killed by most household disinfectants (e.g., 10% bleach). The risk of being infected with hantavirus in urban ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is very low.

Evidence of Mice

Signs of mice activity generally appear before sightings of mice. Two common signs of mice are pellet-like droppings and gnaw marks on wiring and other surfaces. You may also observe damage to insulation, siding, wallboards and food containers and see evidence of holes or burrows. If you suspect mice in your work area, please submit a to Campus Operations + Services by selecting “Pest Control.”

How to Get Help to Clean Up Mice Droppings

If you observe mouse feces or urine in your North Campus or Augustana work area contact the Maintenance Desk by telephone at 780-492-4833 to request mouse cleanup assistance. Appropriately trained and equipped custodial contract staff will attend to assist you. University staff may make arrangements to work from an alternate location until the cleanup is complete.

For residences on North Campus and Augustana, please refer to the Contact Residence Services website for your location’s contact information. In your request for help, please indicate that you need mouse cleanup assistance. 

Occupants of Enterprise Square can access assistance by calling 1-866-254-5349 (for urgent help) or online via the .

Prevention

Prevention is key in controlling mice on ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ campuses and action should be taken as soon as signs of activity are noticed. The most effective approach to prevent mice infestation and contact with mice is to remove food, water and items that provide shelter for mice. 

• Maintain good housekeeping practices (keep spaces tidy and organized and items off the floor).
• Store food in sealed containers and in a common area, not at a personal desk.
• Eat in a designated common area, not at a personal desk.
• Dispose of food waste in common area garbage that is emptied daily. 
• Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify signs of mice activity.
• Follow any general and specific guidance from Pest Control personnel.

When in doubt please submit a to Campus Operations + Services by selecting “Pest Control” or as noted above for other areas. 

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Custodial staff and contractors involved in clean-ups must receive specialized training regarding the hazards, cleaning protocols and the use of required personal protective equipment.
• Anyone who has had hand contact with contaminated materials or surfaces must wash their hands with soap and water.
• If the hazard of eye contact is present, be aware of the nearest eyewash station before clean-up. In the event of eye exposure workers must immediately flush their eyes for up to 15 minutes.
• Report exposure to mice urine or feces to your supervisor and submit an HSE Incident Report.

Health Monitoring

If potential exposure occurs, report any flu-like symptoms to your supervisor (fever, body aches, chills, breathing problems) that develop within six weeks after exposure and seek the advice of a healthcare provider.