How to control house mice

Controlling mice

• house mice can cause a great deal of damage by eating, gnawing and contaminating foods
• they urinate constantly and carry diseases such as salmonella
• house mice reproduce very quickly. Two mice can produce 120 offspring in one year. Each offspring is then able to reproduce within 8-12 weeks they damage and destroy property and can even cause fires by gnawing electrical cables
• they can get through a hole the diameter of a pencil
• each mouse can produce around 80 droppings each day. Droppings are similar in size to a grain of rice and are often the first signs people see of an infestation

Prevention

• good hygiene is essential for preventing house mouse infestations. Food scraps and rubbish provide the ideal environment for mice to live and breed, and should be removed
• always clear up any spilt food immediately and keep foods, including pet foods, in sealable plastic containers
• proofing will also help prevent infestations. Seal any holes surrounding pipes or other similar gaps. Mice are good climbers and can jump more than 24cm, so remember to pay attention to holes above ground level
• store all food products at least 24cm off the ground to make access harder, but easier to see signs of an infestation
• cover air bricks and ventilators with a fine wire mesh with holes of not more than 6mm diameter. Do not seal air bricks

Our pest control section will carry out a treatment for mice for a small fee.  Please see the information on our charges page.

Ways to control mice

Trapping

• can be effective in controlling small infestations
• for best results, use several traps placed at right angles to the wall and other areas where mice are known to be active
• bait the trap with a small piece of chocolate, cereal or sugar - be prepared to change the bait if one doesn’t work
• check traps every day. Live mice should be humanely killed and disposed of in a dustbin

Mouse poisons

There are several mouse poisons available, which, if used correctly, can give excellent results. Look for poisons containing active ingredients such difenacoum. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that children and pets are kept well away from the poison bait at all times.

• place the bait in dry places where mice are active, as indicated by droppings and damage
• use a number of baiting points spread throughout the infested area and replace any that have been eaten
• continue to use the poison until no more is eaten, and remove it immediately afterwards

Remember, poison bait is perfectly safe if used correctly. Always read the label before use. Poison baits are available from supermarkets, hardware shops and chemists.

We provide a treatment service for a variety of pests. Call 01482 300 300 or text phone 01482 300 349 for more information or see our pest charges page.

This information is also available as a downloadable PDF -