As the nights draw in, mice look for warmth and food. Here is what to look for and the simple steps that make your home harder to get into.
From October onwards we see a steady rise in calls about mice. As outdoor temperatures drop and natural food becomes harder to find, house mice look for somewhere warm and sheltered, and our homes are ideal.
How mice get in
An adult mouse can squeeze through a gap of around 6 mm, roughly the width of a pencil. Common entry points include gaps around pipes and cables where they enter the building, damaged air bricks, worn door seals, gaps under garage doors and openings around boiler flues.
Early signs to look out for
- Small dark droppings in cupboards, drawers or behind the cooker
- Nibbled packaging, especially cereals, bread and pet food
- Scratching in ceilings or walls in the evening
- Shredded paper or insulation used for nesting
Simple steps you can take now
- Store dry food in sealed plastic, glass or metal containers
- Pull out the cooker and fridge and clean underneath
- Do not leave pet food down overnight
- Check the outside of your home for gaps around pipes and repair damaged air bricks with mesh covers
- Keep bins closed and garden areas tidy
When to call a professional
If you are seeing droppings in more than one area, hearing activity at night, or the problem returns after shop-bought traps, it is time for a professional inspection. We will deal with the mice and, importantly, find and seal the gaps they are using.