Mice

Mice are a common pest in the UK, particularly during colder months when they seek warmth and shelter indoors. The most common species is the House Mouse.

Mice are small, adaptable rodents that can fit through incredibly small gaps. They can quickly become a nuisance due to their rapid reproduction, damage to property and potential to spread disease.

Identifying mice and signs of an infestation

Adult house mice are 7 to 9cm in body length, with an additional 7 to 9cm tail. They have a pointed snout, large ears, and grey-brown fur.

Some key features that help identify a mouse problem include:

• Droppings
  Small, dark pellets around 3 to 6mm long (similar to a grain of rice in length) often scattered randomly. Common areas to find droppings include cupboards, drawers, or behind appliances.
• Gnawing damage
  Found on wood, plastic, wires, furniture and food packaging.
• Tracks
  Mice may leave tiny footprints across dusty surfaces, such as on top of a kitchen cupboard or across a garage floor. Oily fur may also leave a greasy trail along walls and surfaces.
• Scratching noises
  Hearing scratching sounds from inside walls, ceilings or beneath floorboards are a sign of mice. This may be more noticeable at night.
• Nests
  Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation is a sign of a mouse using the material to build a nest somewhere quiet and hidden.

Why mice are problematic

Mice can pose several health and safety risks, including:

• Food contamination through droppings, urine and saliva.
• Damage to electrical wires, furniture, wooden structures and roofs. This leads to structural damage.
• Extremely fast breeding which leads to large infestations if the problem is not resolved quickly.

What attracts mice?

Mice are drawn to homes in search of food, warmth, and nesting materials. They are attracted to:

• Poorly stored food in kitchens or cupboards.
• Overflowing or open bins.
• Pet food left out overnight.
• Gaps around doors, pipes, and vents. Small holes in brickwork can allow mice to gain access to wall cavities.
• Cluttered or rarely disturbed areas like attics, sheds, and under sinks.

Getting rid of a dead mouse

If you find a dead mouse in your home, it is important to dispose of it safely:

• Wear gloves - do not touch the deceased mouse with bare hands.
• Use a shovel or disposable tools to pick it up.
• Double-bag the body in strong plastic bags and tie securely.
• Place in your general waste - do not put the bag in your garden waste or recycling.
• Disinfect the area where the mouse was found using a suitable detergent.
• Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.

Book an appointment

Book a pest control appointment

Before your appointment

Before the technician arrives, please take steps to prepare your home for treatment:

• Clean and declutter
  Allow access to skirting boards, attic hatches, and behind appliances.
• Store food securely
  Remove food from floors and counters, seal food containers and store them in a secure place.
• Secure pets and pet food
  Remove pet food from the floor, seal pet food containers and restrict pet access during treatment.
• Report signs of activity
  Make a note of any sightings, droppings, gnawing or noises.

Treatment will include baiting and identifying entry points for future proofing.

Make sure you follow any aftercare advice provided by the technician.

Cancelling an appointment

You must give 24 hours' notice to cancel an appointment. If the notice is not given, this will count as 1 appointment from your treatment plan.