mice

Mozart, Mice and Microbes

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:51:19 +0000

I must admit that my interest in Mozart has mostly focused on the various theories of his demise in the prime of his youth. The composer had always been sickly, and it is well known that he had often been treated with antimony compounds by his physicians. He even dosed himself when he didn’t feel well. Antimony compounds can indeed be lethal if the dose is high enough. Recently, though, my curiosity about Mozart has taken a different turn. I’ve become interested in his music. Not because I’ve suddenly developed an appreciation for his sonatas.

Can you remove 'dead mouse smell' without putting holes in your walls?

Joe Schwarcz — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:59:55 +0000

Nobody likes the idea of live rodents scampering around the house, but dead rodents can be an even bigger problem. If they meet their demise inside a wall, as can easily happen, the “smell of death” can be absolutely nauseating. A mixture of decomposition products that include the appropriately named putrecine and cadaverine along with various sulphur compounds can turn the human stomach. What can you do if the carcass cannot be located or is inaccessible? Unfortunately not much.

Sniffing Bobcat Urine

OSS — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:54:44 +0000

Mouse traps are fine if you are dealing with a few rodents but if there is a major infestation you need some heavy artillery such as bobcat pee. Mice, rats, rabbits and moles fear bobcats and for a very good reason. They can quickly become lunch! It is the law of the wild that prey avoids predator. But how? Scent can play a critical role. Predators usually mark their territory with urine and animals they prey upon learn to keep their distance from this fragrance.