Mice Prevention

• Be careful not to attract mice with food. Where possible food should be stored in plastic or metal containers. Regularly clean under stoves, refrigerators and cupboards.
• Fit bristle (or brush) strips to the bottom of doors to prevent entry, especially in older properties where the door fit may not be snug.
• Holes are often made in exterior walls for cables and pipes; check that old pipework holes are sealed too. Any holes that are larger than 5mm will allow mice to gain access because their jaws can fit into tight spaces like these and quickly chew larger openings that allow them to enter a building. Seal holes around existing or new pipes with coarse grade stainless steel wire wool and caulking (pliable sealant).
• Cover air bricks and vents with fine galvanised wire mesh, especially if they are damaged.
• Fix damaged roofing and eaves. Use wire mesh to seal gaps.
• Trim tree branches back from the house and where possible avoid plants growing up the sides of your property. Vines, shrubs or over hanging branches can be used for mice to get onto roofs. Overgrown vegetation close to the walls will offer mice shelter and potential nesting sites.
• Keep grass mown short to reduce shelter and seeds for food. Ideally leave a gap between the building foundations and the garden.

Signs of a mouse infestation problem

• Droppings
  50/80 droppings a night, small and dark (approx. 3 - 8 mm in length), scattered randomly. Look for droppings particularly along walls, in cupboards or under sinks.
• Grease marks (smudges or smears)
  This is caused by mice fur constantly brushing against walls, floors and skirting on regular routes. You may find dark smears around holes or around corners.
• Urine pillars
  In established or heavy infestations, body grease, combined with dirt and urine, builds up into small mounds, up to 4cm high and 1cm wide.
• Scratching noises
  People often report hearing unusual scratching noises at night when mice are most active. Listen for noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements and lofts.
• Nests
  Mice use easy to shred materials, such as newspaper and fabrics, together with other soft materials to line their nest. Check lofts, suspended ceilings, cavity walls, under floorboards and behind fridges, under stoves and in airing cupboards. Nests will often contain young mice.
• Tracks (footprints)
  Dusty environments such as unused lofts and basements can show up rodent tracks and tail marks. To check for activity, sprinkle flour, talcum powder or china clay and check the next day for fresh tracks.
• Live or dead mice
  Spotting a mouse during the daytime can be an indication of a heavy infestation.
• Strong smell
  Mice urinate frequently and their wee has a strong ammonia-like smell. The smell may be very strong near the main site of activity or in enclosed spaces. This smell can linger for a long time (even after an infestation has been removed).

Do I need professional mice pest control assistance?