Posted by Kimberly smoot on December 14, 2006

Q: I have rescently noticed mice in my kitchen that are living in the stove, also i have one that is very brave that seems to like humans. He runs around my living out in the open, right beside our feet, and even climbs the brick wall behind my couch. Is he ok? We thought he may be confused because he is tiny (maybe a baby).He is grey and very tiny. would it be a bad idea to let them stay? We really dont mind them...And if so, why

State: West Virginia

A: Usually we receive questions from people who are freaked out by mice in their house so it's nice to hear from you. I really don't think you need to fear about your own health or safety with mice but they can do damage with their gnawing and may make some areas smelly. Since mice reproduce quickly, the likelihood that you'll have many more is high. All may be fine with you now but you may change your mind if/when their numbers increase.

What you could do is decide to remove the mice when you feel it is "time". There are traps on the market that will not harm them and you can then remove them as you catch them. The big problem will be where do you place them so they aren't immediately killed outside! If I were doing it, I'd take the trapped mice and place them in an outbuilding (garage, barn, tool shed) and release them there - will be similar to protection in your house as kind of a halfway measure between home and outside. This won't be perfect but if you just dump them in the woods in the winter after living in your nice warm home, they'll be much more affected by the weather and will be much more vulnerable to predators in a strange place.

I suppose you could also catch and keep one or two (especially the young one) as a pet if you wanted to but I wouldn't try to handle them at all. Mice can bite and a wild mouse probably won't tame entirely and might be a problem if it bit you. That would be my only caution.

Best of luck and I hope this gives you some options.

John Wiessinger ( December 14, 2006)