Mice
What do they look like?
The mouse found commonly in buildings is the house
mouse. The fur colour varies between light brown and
grey. Body length varies between 60-90mm and the tail can add
an additional 100mm. Often the droppings found are black,
rod-shaped and 3-6mm long.
Where do they live?
The house mouse can be found in a wide range of
urban and rural buildings, although it may live for part of the
year outdoors. Mice live in nests, which are often built inside
houses, especially during the winter. Nests are built wherever
there is access to a good source of food. Spaces under the floor
and lofts are favoured places for nests, which are built out of
cloth, wool and paper.
Mouse holes are normally 20-30mm in diameter. Mice are
mainly active at night and can be heard running about as they
search for food.
Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm.
What do they eat?
Their favourite foods are cereal products, although
they will eat almost anything. Most of the damage they do is
by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with
urine and droppings. Mice will gnaw their way through wood to get
to sources of food.
Why are they pests?
Mice numbers need to be controlled because:
- They eat and can contaminate all types of food.
- They can damage and destroy property
- They carry diseases that are hazardous to both humans and animals. Diseases include typhus, trichinosis, and jaundice (Weils disease)
How can I tell whether my house is infested with mice?
Signs of a mouse infestation can include the
presence of droppings, footprints in damp soil or dust, and burrows
in the ground. Indications of an infestation can include signs of
gnawing.
How can I get rid of mice?
It is important to get rid of mice quickly before
they damage pipe cables and insulation.
Ealing Council provides a
pest control service for the treatment of mice
in domestic properties, but it is also possible to carry out
the work yourself.
Ealing Council's pest control service for mice and
rats
To get rid of mice yourself you should do either of the
following:
Set traps
- break-back traps may be used and these should be placed next to walls where mice tend to travel
- the trap should be baited with chocolate, biscuit or cereal
- use several traps and examine them daily, removing dead mice as soon as they are discovered
- all traps should be handled with care
Lay poison
- mouse poison can be bought from hardware stores and most garden centres. Always select the most suitable type
- put the poison in a safe and secure place to ensure children and pets cannot get to it and eat it
- wash hands after use
Note: when using pesticides always follow the instructions on
the label.
How can I prevent an infestation?
• Accumulations of waste materials and
rubbish can attract rodents and makes a warm home. Ensure all waste
- especially food waste - is disposed of promptly and
appropriately.
• Stored materials should ideally be at least 18 inches off the ground to make access harder and identification of an infestation easier. Products should also be kept away from walls.
• Food and food waste should be stored in sealed
containers, including compost bins.
Leaflets
A leaflet about
mice is available in pdf format.