House Rats and Mice

In this vivid early‑20th‑century bulletin, a government biologist lays out the staggering impact of rats and mice on American farms and towns. With stark statistics and striking images, the narrator explains how these tiny pests have caused more loss than wars, spreading disease and devouring stored food. The piece reads like a call to arms, urging communities to stop feeding the invaders and to unite against their relentless breeding.

The bulletin details the biology of the brown rat, black rat, roof rat and common mouse, describing their breeding cycles, habitats and the massive economic damage they inflict. It also offers practical advice on denying food and shelter, turning the fight into a coordinated effort. Listeners will gain a clear picture of how a seemingly small animal can shape agriculture, public health, and everyday life, making the material as relevant today as it was a century ago.