What's my responsibility in regard to mice in my rental house?

[Carol Venolia]

Hello,

I have a tenant family in a freestanding house in a semi-rural area. She texted me last night to say that they'd caught 4 mice in the house recently and she doesn't want mice surprising them or their two young boys in the night. She essentially ordered me to call in an exterminator.

Am I responsible for handling the mouse situation? Whenever I've been a tenant and had a mouse, I assumed it was my responsibility.

Am I required to use an exterminator? Is it acceptable for me to suggest that they first make sure they're not leaving any human or dog food where mice could get to it?

Thanks for any insights you can offer!

Carol