Gympie residents concerned over possible mouse plague

Gympie residents raised concerns on social media this week about an increase in the number of mice finding their way into their homes, with worries the New South Wales mouse plague was advancing into Queensland.

Gympie residents raised concerns on social media this week about an increase in the number of mice finding their way into people’s homes, with worries the New South Wales mouse plague was advancing into Queensland.​

Gympie residents raised concerns on social media this week about an increase in the number of mice finding their way into people’s homes, with worries the New South Wales mouse plague was advancing into Queensland.

Southside resident Andy Batten said he noticed more mice in his home after his dog and cat began catching the rodents.

“It is more noticeable this year with the animals catching them,” he said.

But an expert has put those fears to rest.

CSIRO research officer Steve Henry said the plague was not coming to Gympie as mice could not migrate, and while there was a general increase in mice numbers, that was not unusual in winter as they sought warmth inside buildings.

“I think what’s been happening is as the weather has gotten colder and wetter, they tend to seek shelter in warm places, and obviously people’s houses are the perfect place for them to go,” he said.

He also said it was unlikely Gympie would see a mice plague any time soon, as the region did not have the correct conditions to attract large numbers like those experienced in NSW.

“There’s not much cropping around Gympie, and so historically you don’t seem to see those massive outbreaks seen in NSW,” he said.

Mr Henry said it was important to be careful when dealing with an infestation, as poisoning the mice could affect other animals.

“The chemical (in the poison) doesn’t get used up and stays in the mouse, so when another animal comes along and eats a mouse that’s been poisoned, the animal in turn gets that poison,” he said.

He said his advice if using poison was to remove the dead mice quickly, and if a pet got secondary poisoning from a dead mouse to take them to the vet immediately.

He also said to prevent mice getting inside, block holes with steel wool and use door seals to stop them getting under doors.