The rustling noise in front of Moos Tower is probably not the shuffling of leaves. More than likely, it is mice. The scope of the problem is not huge, but it is definitely common to spot mice around campus. And although this recent occurrence is nothing unusual for the fall term, mice can still be problematic in general.

Mice are more active at night and are especially visible on Harvard Street Southeast and Washington Avenue Southeast around Moos Tower. Mice have also been sighted at many places on campus, including in Coffman Union, which is an unpleasant fact considering all the eateries located there.

Mice belong to a more repulsive category of animals than the adorable squirrels that can be spotted near virtually every building on campus. Mice can also be potentially harmful pests. Urine and droppings can carry contaminants and are a source for spreading diseases. A mouse’s fur is especially harmful to those with asthma. Mice are not only harmful to people, but also the environment. They have the ability to destroy food, paper and furniture.

One way to deal with mice is with better sanitation. This might be difficult to do on such a huge campus, but sanitation seems to be the best option because poison and traps cannot be used.

Using chemical poisons to eliminate the mice problem would perhaps be more harmful to students than the mice themselves. Making the campus more sanitary would not only decrease the mice population, but would also eliminate other hygiene-related issues.

Moreover, food must always be stored appropriately to prevent mice and other pests from accessing food in the residence halls and dining halls.

There is always a seasonal spike of rodents, particularly mice during the fall semester. While this spike is nothing unusual, the problem is something worth keeping an eye on.

Considering the scope of the issue, better sanitation is the best option.