Get That Mouse Out Of Your House (NAPSA)—A Home Safety et Council study found that most Americans are unaware ofa hidden danger that might be lurking in their homes: mice. According to the survey, more than half of Americans say that while mice are unpleasant, they are relatively harmless creatures. Actually, mice can spread disease and cause asthma symptoms and have even been knownto start housefires, particularly in homes with older wiring, as mice can chew through the wire’s insulation. “Safe and healthy homes are free of mice and other pests,” said Meri-K Appy, president of the HomeSafety Council. “Mice can be a factor in spreading Lyme disease and salmonella, and we now know mice are related to the rise of asthma symptomsin children.” In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, exposure to mice allergens is a well-recognized risk factor for asthma in somechildren. The mouse problem is much bigger than most people think. Only 27 percent of people surveyed said they’ve personally experienced mice in their homes in the past year. Yet a recent government study of more than 800 homes found that 82 percent had detectable levels of mouse allergen. More than a third of homes hadlevels high enoughto increase the risk that the people in them would develop allergies, potentially leading to asthma. “What this study showsis that even if you don’t think you have mice in your home, chances are you do,” said Appy. Signs to look for include droppings and gnaw and grease marks along baseboards. You may also notice strange behavior in family 3 . PN a < = a Za a pt Ea. : je 4-4 BAT The average house mouse can have eight litters a year of four to seven pups per litter, so one mousecan quickly lead to 40 or 50. pets, such as barking or scratching at walls. According to Appy,if you spot any of these signs—or a mouse itself—the key is to act fast. When it comes to controlling mice, consumers say they want a solution that’s easy to use and safe for use around children and pets, and they don’t want to touch or even see the dead mouse. In response, Ortho developed the Home Defense MAX Kill & Contain Mouse Trap. It contains no poisons and is baited with food, andis safe to use around children and pets because it won’t snapfingers or paws. The new design encloses mice in a self-contained unit, shutting the entryway behind the mouse andkilling it. A one-touch, easy-to-set lever on the side of the trap shows you when a mouse has been caught. The entire trap then gets thrown away, so users don’t have to touch or see the mouse. For more information on con- trolling mice and preventing infestations, visit www.ortho homedefense.com. For additional tips on maintaining a safe and healthy home, visit www. homesafetycouncil.org.
