State Department Issues Mouse Alert

As if the State Department didn’t have enough to worry about with Iran, Iraq and the French: the onset of cooler weather in the capital has prompted a mouse alarm.

The department issued a warning Monday in its main building, saying that “increasing numbers of mice and their larger cousins” were set to launch their annual search for warm lodging and food.

Unfortunately, the notice added, ongoing renovations in some areas of the building provide convenient pathways for rodents.

The department’s thousands of employees were told not to leave food around their desks, to pick up any dropped crumbs and to reduce clutter.

Supervisors were singled out for an admonition to make sure custodial workers are able to get into secure areas to remove trash.

Mouse sightings or questions about the pest management program should be directed to the facility management service desk, the warning advised.