Home >> council >> departments >> healthcommunity08/09/2008 07:01:41

Mice

(Mus musculus)

There are two types of mice in Britain which can become pests the house mouse and the field mouse.

 

The house mouse is most likely to be a domestic pest weighs about 30 grams (1 ounce) and is about 90 mm long (3 1/2 inches) excluding its tails. It is usually brown on its back with a grey underneath. Its ears are fairly large in relation to its body and its feed are small. The tail is the same length as the head and body.

The long-tailed field mouse is more common on agricultural land but is not generally considered a pest unless it takes up residence indoors.

 

Signs of Infestation?

  • The most common way to detect mice is to see them or their gnaw marks or droppings, or hear them gnawing or scuttling behind walls etc. They are particularly active at night.
  • Finding droppings in your cupboards, one mouse can do up to 80 droppings a day.
  • They will build a nest out of any available material, but often it will be in a place that you will not be able to check easily, such as below floor boards or in wall cavities or lofts.
  • Nests have a very distinctive smell.
  • Mice will live in any situation in which their needs for food and water are met, although they only need small amounts of water and often get enough within their food.
  • If you can push a ball point pen under a door or through a hole, then a mouse can get in.

Significance?

  • Mice are carriers for diseases such as Salmonella, Hantavirus and Lyme Disease and can spread this contamination to every surface in your home.
  • They ruin far more food than they eat through gnawing and leaving urine and droppings.
  • They can damage vital and expensive parts of your home such as electrics and wall or loft insulation. Damaged wiring is a major cause of house fires and is unlikely to be easily spotted.
  • Mice burrow holes in walls and cupboards and pull up carpets and which can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Life Cycle

  • Mice breed very rapidly.
  • 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 is mainly in the Spring and Autumn.

Control?

  • The best way to deal with mice is to discourage them before they establish a breeding colony in your home by ensuring your premises are in good repair and that no food is left around the house or garden.
  • Above all mice need food, but not much. 3 grammes of solid food will feed a mouse for a day. They eat mainly grain, but will eat almost anything, including soap and candlewax if nothing else is available. Keep food out of reach from mice; don't leave food out unnecessarily and check for damage to packets or cupboards. Mice are often attracted by ill-stored refuse. Thin bags provide an ideal meal for mice.
  • Mice need shelter, so protect your home by keeping it in good repair. Ensure mice cannot access your property through pipes or small cracks by filling these or covering them with fine mesh netting.
  • Keep your garden tidy and the compost heap in good order, secure sheds and keep plants cut back. Mice will climb creepers on a wall and even rough brickwork.
  • Mice do not need much water, however they do need some form of water supply and may go out to the garden on a regular basis.
  • Proofing our house against them will reduce the appeal of your home to mice.

How can we get rid of mice?

  • Mice are particularly difficult to control because of the rate at which they breed and colonise new areas. If you suspect that your or any other property has become infested with mice contact our Customer Service Centre on 01329 236100 who will arrange for a pest control officer to visit.
  • Treatment is available to residents of the Borough at  charge of £20 except where the householder is in receipt of job seekers allowance or income/pension support when the treatment is free.  Proof of benefits will be required.
  • The Pest Control Officer will survey the area, lay poison bait and make follow up visits if required. Mice that have taken poison bait will go back to their nest where they will die and it is possible that this will cause a smell. How long the smell lasts will depend upon how warm the nest is but will go off after a short while. It is not recommended that any attempt is made to find the nest as this is usually very difficult.
  • Poisons and traps can be purchased from hardware stores but should only be used if you are confident with them. Instructions must always be followed.

 

If you would like to discuss any of the above or seek advice on a particular pest control problem please email us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone on 01329 236100.

 

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