Proper management of deer mice
Jasper National Park
Deer mice are a valuable part of our Jasper ecosystem. However, Parks Canada recognizes that deer mice can carry Hantavirus, and should not be inside your house. That is why there are times when it is necessary to euthanize deer mice.
Deer mice must be put to death humanely, and without endangering other wildlife.
Because poison traps are illegal in the national park, please use the following methods to rid your house of deer mice.
Methods of euthanasia
Only kill deer mice inside your house.
Never use traps outdoors.
Acceptable
- Snap traps
- Electronic kill traps
Follow directions closely on these traps for the most effective use of these devices.
Do not use
- Poison of any kind.
- This includes poison for rodents, pigeons, or anything else. If another wild animal or your pet ate a poisoned mouse, it would also be poisoned.
- Sticky paper or board traps.
- These traps are cruel and inhumane and result in slow death by starvation or dehydration.
- Rat traps
- Rat traps are too large and can kill larger animals.
Prevention
- Seal all holes. Preventing entry to your house is the best prevention. This includes holes in walls, gaps below doors, dryer vents, and any opening as big as a dime.
- Clean up! Never leave food out overnight. This includes pet food. Store food in mouse-proof containers.
- Make your yard unfriendly to mice. Keep grass short, remove hiding places such as stacks of firewood, and take down bird feeders.
- Be consistent! These methods must be maintained to be effective.
Proper disposal of poison
Rodent poison that is currently in your possession can be brought to the Resource Conservation office directions for proper disposal. Do not put poison in household garbage. Use extreme caution when handling poison, whether in its original packaging or not.
Questions?
For more information, call Parks Canada at 780-852-6179 or 780-883-0003.
If pest control operators, business owners or residents have questions or concerns about pest control, they can contact the Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health office in Jasper at 780-852-4759.
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