The two types of mice found in
Britain that may become pests are the House Mouse and the
Long-tailed Field Mouse. Mice, like rats are also a major hazard to
health as they can spread disease and can contaminate food. Apart
from causing food damage due to their gnawing action, they can also
cause considerable structural damage. However, unlike rats they are
less dependent on water and will normally obtain sufficient
moisture from their food.
Description
The two types of mice in Britain that can become pests
are:
- The house mouse
- The long-tailed field mouse
The adult house mouse may weight up to ½oz (15gm); usually has
brown fur on its back and is grey underneath; its ears are fairly
large in relation to its body and its feet are small. The tail is
the same length as the head and body but is much thinner than the
tail of a young rat.
Distribution
Mice are widely distributed throughout urban areas and in farm
buildings. The long-tailed field mouse is common on agricultural
land but is not generally considered a pest unless it takes up
residence indoors.
The house mouse is a more common domestic pest which will nest
in partitions, floors and behind wall boarding. Mice are most
active at night and will range over a very small area if food is
plentiful. They are less dependent on water and will normally
obtain sufficient moisture from their food.
Significance
Mice, like rats, are a major hazard to health. They are
responsible for the spread of many diseases, some of which can be
fatal to man. They eat food which may be intended for human
consumption and contaminate much more, with their urine, droppings
and fur, which must then be disposed of. Mice will also cause
structural damage to property by gnawing through woodwork, wires,
pipes and household items.
Life Cycle
The life expectancy of mice is around one year during which
time a female may breed up to six times. The average size of a
litter is six. Breeding occurs throughout the year but especially
in the Spring and Autumn.
What to look out for
There are some simple tell-tale signs to look out for that will
reveal whether you have mice in your home:
- damage from gnawing and feeding such as tooth marks on
packaging and wires;
- small holes - mouse holes are 20mm in diameter;
- greasy smears along walls,skirting boards and pipes from rodent
fur;
- droppings - mouse droppings are normally about 5mm long,
and are dark brown or black. A mouse can produce up to 80 droppings
a day;
- nests (sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under
floorboards);and
- scratching and gnawing sounds from the loft,under the
floorboards and in wall cavities.
Control
You will need professional help in controlling colonies of
mice. They are particularly difficult to control because of the
rate at which they breed and are able to colonise new areas.
Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some simple
measures:
- Keeping your house and particularly the kitchen clean and tidy.
Regularly cleaning up any food debris and crumbs from behind and
underneath kitchen work surfaces, cupboards and appliances.
- Keeping your home in good repair so that mice cannot gain
access to it, ( mice can through the smallest hole).
- Fill in any gaps around any pipework to the outside of the
building and cover any ventilation grills or air-bricks with a fine
metal mesh.
- Ensure that no food is left around the house or garden to
prevent mice from being encouraged onto your property.
In the event of infestation, our Pest Control Officers will
survey the area to determine the size of the colony and the most
appropriate control measures.
Poison baits will normally be laid where mice have been
active. The bait should be left undisturbed until our officers
return to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Safety
All pesticides are applied by our qualified and experienced
staff to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise damage to
the environment.
For further information and advice: