Mice - How To Control Them

Why Control Them?

• 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. 2 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 gap 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, rubbish etc. 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. Holes surrounding pipes etc. should be sealed. 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.

• Air bricks and ventilators should be covered with a fine wire mesh with holes of not more than 6mm diameter. (NB do not seal air bricks).

Methods of control

Trapping

• Can be effective in controlling small infestations.

• For best results several traps should be used and 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 apple. (Be prepared to change the bait if one doesn't work).

• Traps should be checked every day. Live mice should be humanely killed and disposed of by wrapping the body in a plastic bag and then put in to your black bin. Important: Wash your hands afterwards!

Mouse Poisons

• There are several mouse poisons available, which, if used correctly, can give excellent results. (Look for poisons such as calciferol, difenacoum or bromadiolone).

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure 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.

Safety First

• Please remember that pesticides are dangerous. Always read the label before use and follow the manufacturers instructions at all times.

• Keep pesticides away from children and pets at all times.

Further Advice