We're not ready to die…
So, I took the day off today (from Coaching Tools and writing) to clear out our hall.
Upon further investigation, it seems that the 'hantavirus' carried by the very cute deer mouse is not food poisoning/stomach-related – but a pulmonary virus. Of the people who have to go to hospital with the initially flu-like symptoms – 40% apparently die… And about 14% of the rodent population tested in BC apparently carry it. On a more positive note I also found out that you need to breathe quite a lot of the dust/virus to actually catch it.
BUT, we have been sweeping out mouse droppings and dust from the hall for weeks. I've even worn a scarf which had mouse holes in it. Yes, I disinfected everything, but if I inhaled the virus first it would do little good…
Starsky caught 12 mice and then we still heard scratching. So, we decided not to wait to redo our porch. Unlike the rest of the house – the porch is more island-style. No foundation, the insulation is not airtight (or mouse tight) and the insulation just hangs down underneath the floor within a few inches of the ground… Quite tempting for cold little woodland mice.
Now, our house feels more like we just moved in again, with stuff everywhere. But at least everything is sanitised and we can progress with making the porch mouse-proof and hopefully dice death…