Reference:Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, 07 Aug 2007 - 09 Aug 2007. Editors: Witmer GW, Pitt WC, Fagerstone KA. Proceedings of an International Symposium. USDA/APHIS/WS, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. 294-304. 2007
Rights:Copyright: USDA/APHIS/WS, National Wildlife Research Center
The house mouse (Mus musculus) has been spread throughout the world by the actions of humans. It causes severe impacts to native ecosystems, especially in areas where there are no native mammals. It is possible to eradicate mice from islands but they are harder to eradicate than rats. A review of reported eradication attempts found that 17 attempts on 45 islands worldwide failed; a failure rate of 38%. The effect of operational factors on eradication success was examined, but no significant model was formed. Brodifacoum is the most widely used toxicant and has a 49% success rate. Mouse eradications should be attempted wherever possible and recommendations to help increase the success of a house mouse eradication attempt are given.
