The house mouse (Mus musculus) is one of the most challenging pests to manage due to its adaptability, rapid reproduction, and tendency to live in close proximity to humans. Here’s a detailed look at the signs of a mouse problem, the importance of professional removal, and steps to prevent future infestations.
Signs of a Mouse Problem
Recognising the early signs of a mouse infestation can help prevent it from escalating into a major issue:
- Droppings: Mice can produce 50 to 75 droppings each day, which are small, dark, and pellet-shaped.
- Urine Puddles: Mice are incontinent, so they frequently drag their tails through their urine, contaminating surfaces as they move.
- Scratching Noises: Commonly heard in wall cavities, loft spaces, and under floorboards, especially at night.
- Foul Smell: As mice live, breed, and decompose in hidden spaces like wall cavities, a strong odour can develop.
- Burrowing: Mice may burrow into insulation materials or soft soil near your home.
Why Hire a Professional Pest Control Company?
Mice reproduce incredibly quickly, with females able to have 5 to 10 litters per year, each consisting of 5 or 6 young. In just 10 weeks, these young mice are capable of reproducing. This rapid breeding cycle makes it essential to achieve a complete elimination of the entire colony.
Mice are cautious and picky feeders, which means they don’t consume much at once, making them more resistant to standard poisons. Professionals understand the behavioural patterns of mice and use the most effective baiting methods, ensuring the complete eradication of a colony.
In addition to being carriers of dangerous diseases like hantavirus, Weil’s disease, salmonella, and listeria, mice can cause significant structural damage by chewing through electrical wires, pipes, and other materials, leading to fire hazards or floods.
Preparation Before Treatment
To prepare for a technician’s visit:
- Leave any visible droppings or damage for inspection.
- Record where you’ve seen mice and ask neighbours if they’ve noticed any signs of an infestation.
- Remove any food sources, including bird food and pet food, from the area.
- Clean crumbs and food debris from under kitchen appliances and cabinets.
Aftercare and Prevention
To prevent future infestations, follow these measures:
- Avoid feeding wild birds, which can attract mice.
- Ensure animal food is stored in mouse-proof containers.
- Keep rubbish bins tightly sealed.
- Regularly check compost heaps and remove food scraps.
- Seal any gaps or entry points around your property, including around pipes, air bricks, and soffits.
- Trim any vegetation growing near your house, which could provide shelter for mice.
How Our Treatment Works
We use the latest and most effective baits and poisons to eliminate the entire population of mice on-site. The bait is placed in specially designed boxes or trays at strategic points throughout the area. While it may take several days for the mice to begin feeding, the process ensures the whole colony is eradicated.
Our service includes a second visit to remove the bait and any dead mice. Mice that die in inaccessible places (e.g., under floorboards) may create unpleasant smells, but we ensure safe disposal of those we can access.
For smaller infestations, we offer biocidal spray treatments to sanitise affected areas, including loft insulation, reducing the risk of disease.
Price for Biocidal Treatment
- From £100 + VAT.
- 10% discount when combined with our second visit for bait and dead mice removal.
Additional Services
- Mice Proofing: Recurring infestations cannot be resolved solely through the use of poison. Our technicians can inspect your property to find external breaches like gaps around soffits, air bricks, and pipes and will proof the property to prevent future infestations. This approach is more cost-effective in the long run.
- Loft Insulation Removal & Installation: For loft infestations, we offer a full insulation removal and replacement service. Contaminated insulation is carefully removed, and the area is sanitised with biocidal spray before fresh insulation is installed. This service is recommended for severe infestations where contamination poses significant health risks.
Facts About Mice
- Appearance: House mice are grey or brown, with large ears and small eyes. An adult mouse weighs about 14g and is 5.5 to 7.5 inches long, including its 3 to 4-inch tail.
- Diet: Mice typically feed on cereal grains but will eat a variety of foods.
- Reproduction: A female can have 5 to 10 litters per year, and young reach maturity within 6 to 10 weeks.
- Lifespan: The typical lifespan of a mouse is 9 to 12 months.
- Abilities: Mice are excellent climbers, capable of jumping up to 13 inches, and can squeeze through gaps as small as 1cm.
For homes and businesses in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, addressing a mouse problem quickly is essential to prevent damage and protect your health.