How to get rid of mice UK
You may think mice are cute, but that does not mean you want to share your home or premises with them.
Some mice are indeed bred as pets, but wild ones that infest homes and commercial properties are considered pests in the UK.
Two species of these small rodents are found here. In this post, we will explore why it is essential to get rid of mice and look at the best ways to keep them out of your home or business.
Why we need to get rid of mice
Mice can be a nuisance to public health and cause serious harm to the environment and people.
They will leave a trail of urine, droppings and used bedding everywhere they go that could spread diseases like Salmonella and Listeria.
Since they will be on the lookout for food, you will find dirt and bacteria traces in your kitchen, your surfaces and your cupboards.
As well as being a health hazard, mice cause plenty of damage to your property. Their sharp teeth are kept short by constantly gnawing at cables, woodwork and pipes.
Keeping Business Premises Mice Free
UK laws ensure businesses keep mice and other rodents out of their premises to protect public health.
Property and landowners must report infestations to their local authority under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
The food sector has additional responsibilities set out in the Food Safety Act 1990.
Enforcement notices, fines and a criminal record could be incurred if the law is not followed.
Of course, it’s not just about the law. Reputational damage can seriously affect a business if word gets out that there is a mice problem.
What mice live in the UK?
Two types of mice native to the UK can become a pest.
- House Mice
- Field Mice
The most common mice found in your home will be House mice because they live in close proximity to humans. On the other hand, field mice prefer to nest outdoors unless it is particularly cold.
Where do mice build their nests?
House mice rely on our structures for warmth and shelter. They often choose roof spaces, wall cavities, sheds and basements to build their nests and breed.
Be warned. Mice can squeeze into the smallest of gaps to enter a building. They also have excellent climbing skills.
Field mice prefer to create burrows, build nests out of the grass, or find shelter amid rocks and crevices. They aim to avoid predators such as cats, rats and foxes.
How can I tell I have mice?
It’s a good idea to be familiar with the signs of a mice infestation so you can act quickly to get rid of them before they breed.
Look out for:
Droppings – They are usually black and the size of a grain of rice. Each mouse leaves around 80 droppings a day, so you won’t be able to miss them.
Urine smell – A strong ammonia smell could indicate the presence of mice.
Grey Smears – Mice will leave smears from the oils in their fur around your property.
Signs of a nest – Nests are usually found in your loft, airing cupboard or even under a floorboard.
Damage – Damage to food containers, gnaw marks on your skirting boards (just like the Tom and Jerry cartoons), chewed carpets, newspapers, cables and pipes.
Mice can be visible all year round. In winter, field mice may come inside to get warm. They like garages and sheds but will seek out food as it becomes scarce in the colder weather.
Preventing Mice Infestations
Prevention is much easier than eliminating, so think about ways to stop them from becoming a nuisance in your property.
- Keep your building well maintained by filling any gaps that could provide access for hungry mice. Wire wool should be pushed inside holes before covering with filler to ensure mice can’t chew through.
- Keep your premises tidy to remove potential nesting sites. Cut back any areas outside that are overgrown.
- Seal up waste bins as they make an alluring food source for mice.
- Ensure that all food is kept in sealed containers.
- Wipe up spillages immediately.
- Attach door strips if the gap under your doors is more than 4mm.
How to Get Rid of Mice
You might be tempted to attempt to get rid of mice by yourself using products you can buy in DIY stores. Just remember that mice breed rapidly, and they are highly elusive creatures.
While you take your time searching out the best ways to get rid of them, they are having babies and becoming a bigger problem.
A professional pest control company will have trained professionals who can use their knowledge and experience to ensure that your mouse problem is eliminated safely and quickly.
There are several methods of pest control that are effective in getting rid of mice.
Poisons –Those available to the public are restricted. Many large mouse populations in urban areas have grown resistant to the pesticides you can buy over the counter. A professional firm will have access to more effective rodenticides.
Traps – Traps must be placed carefully to ensure the safety of pets and children.
Bait –You can buy break-back traps that you place tempting treats inside to attract mice, such as chocolate and peanut butter. Cheese is less compelling to mice, despite what you might think.
Getting rid of carcasses – It isn’t pleasant to think about, but if you eliminate mice, you will end up with dead ones. It is vital to dispose of the bodies carefully and quickly. Where poison has been used, the bodies will pose a threat to pets and other wildlife.
Professional pest controllers will take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to deal with your infestation.
They have monitoring equipment to confirm access points into your property, estimate the infestation’s size and track the mouse to its nest. They will use this information to establish a proofing strategy using traps, rodenticides or both.
If you suspect you have a problem with mice and want help to get rid of them, get in touch with us at EWS Group. We offer professional pest control services for domestic and commercial properties. Our qualified technicians use IPM to ensure they provide a safe and effective service.