Mice are Back at the Commons


 Jessica Troxell 

Mice are back at the Commons

Mice have been spotted in the Commons dining area yet again, despite assurances to parents over the summer that the mouse problem was handled.

This year, on several different occasions students have spotted and photographed mice within the dining area. Most of these instances have been documented on Yik Yak, accompanied by clever phrases such as “my boy Remy is looking a little washed up these days” which was posted on September 29. While the comments may be comical, a mouse infestation is a serious issue. Mice can carry many diseases, the most concerning being Hantavirus and Tularemia. Food contaminated by mice can cause serious issues such as fever, abdominal pain, muscle aches, sore throat, vomiting, and, in some extreme cases, death, as the CDC states. 

Last semester, there was an infestation of mice within the Commons, where students saw mice on the food counters. After complaints from both students and parents, Stonehill assured parents that over the summer, the problem was handled, and the Commons was safe and mouse-free for the fall 2024 semester. Being in a concentrated area like the commons where students' food is being prepared, how can students be assured that their food does not come in contact with mice as it did last year? Joseph Fellone Associate Director of Stonehill Facilities Operations was contacted to comment on the issue as well as to see what was being done to ensure students' safety. To help resolve the issue Mr. Fellone said that Stonehill switched to a new pest control company that now comes three times per week, and they have been updating the town of Easton on the issue. When asked if Bon Appetit workers are following any specific protocols to help minimize the mouse issue Fellone stated “We are in contact with Bon Appetit, and they will notify us if they see any activity.”  Fellone also stated that as the weather gets colder mice often look for warmer areas and when there are sightings the areas are addressed immediately. 

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