Tracking dust patches should be placed at what distance to monitor mice activity?

Tracking dust patches should be placed at what distance to monitor mice activity?

• A. 6-9 metres
• B. 1-2 metres
• C. 20-30 metres
• D. 50-60 metres

Answer: (A)

The idea is to place tracking patches at a density that makes it very likely a mouse will cross at least one patch, without overdoing it. Mice move along walls and through small runways, so spacing patches so that gaps between them are only a few meters ensures each animal’s path is captured. A distance of about 6–9 metres is wide enough to cover a typical indoor area efficiently but close enough that crossing tracks are still detected. If you space them much farther apart, a mouse could move between patches without leaving prints; if you space them too close, you’re wasting patches. So, placing patches roughly every 6–9 metres provides reliable monitoring of mice activity.

The idea is to place tracking patches at a density that makes it very likely a mouse will cross at least one patch, without overdoing it. Mice move along walls and through small runways, so spacing patches so that gaps between them are only a few meters ensures each animal’s path is captured. A distance of about 6–9 metres is wide enough to cover a typical indoor area efficiently but close enough that crossing tracks are still detected. If you space them much farther apart, a mouse could move between patches without leaving prints; if you space them too close, you’re wasting patches. So, placing patches roughly every 6–9 metres provides reliable monitoring of mice activity.