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Mice | Danger Signs | Potential Harm | Mouse Proofing | Mouse Pictures

Mice

Mice (Mus Domesticus)

The house mouse (mus domesticus) is the most common species found in London. Sometimes field mice also enter houses in the late autumn when conditions get colder. The adult mouse weighs less than 25 grams and has brown to grey fur on its back and grey to white underneath; it has large ears in relation to its body and small feet. Its tail is thin and the same length as its body.

Danger Signs

Sighting is the surest sign of an infestation and should enable positive identification of the species. A fresh dead rat body is normally an indication of that the infestation is active.

Noise is a good indication that most people report is hearing scrabbling or scratching noises coming from the loft, walls or under the flooring. Quite often birds nesting in the springtime can be mistaken for a mouse problem. A good way of telling the difference is that birds tend to be more active from dawn to dusk and mice are more active from dusk to dawn. Noises from birds are normally only heard from around the edges of the loft and usually from the same area. If you have mice in the loft, the noises can be heard from any area, as the mice are quite at home in the dark

Droppings a good indication of the size of the problem and rats can produce up to 40 droppings a day. The droppings can determine the species of rodent. Rat dropping are spindle shaped and average of 3mm long. Fresh droppings appear soft and shiny, and depending of environment conditions they will become hard and dull. Droppings can be located in corners, under kitchen cabinets, lofts and between floor boards.

Damage this can be a good indication you have a rodent present, normally this is the most common way of identification. Partially eaten, spilled or damaged packaging is signs of rodents gnawing. It is quite possible to identify from gnawing if it is from a rat as they grooves between the biting in the object should be about 2mm apart.

Sighting is the surest sign of an infestation and should enable positive identification.

Live animals seen during the day may indicate that a large infestation is present, or that the rodent’s environment has been disturbed.

The first indication that most people report is hearing scrabbling or scratching noises coming from the loft, walls or under the flooring. Other signs of mice would be finding their droppings or finding the damage they do by their constant gnawing. Mouse droppings are black to brown in colour and resemble grains of rice.

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Potential Harm

Mice can be a health hazard as they carry the salmonella bacteria that can be passed on to people through food or food surfaces that they contaminate.

Any food preparation surfaces that mice may have been in contact with should be washed down with a mild disinfectant. Any contaminated food produce should be thrown away.

Mice can also be very destructive to electrical wiring by gnawing on the plastic coating. In extreme
cases, this can cause fires or electrical shock to anyone touching the exposed wires.

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Mouse Proofing

In most cases the best preventative is to maintain a clean environment especially important is to remove all food sources which rodents may be attracted to, they have a great sense of smell.

Expanding foam is commonly used as a means to proof entry/exit holes, however mice will easily chew through this. If expanding foam is to be used the hole should first be blocked with wire mesh or gauze first.

Harbourages: Mice prefer the cover of tail grass, shrubs and leaf litter. It is important to remove accumulated leaf debris from around the structure. Making sure the grass is kept at a low level this will also reduce the amount of mice in and around the structure. Bushes and tree limbs should be trimmed away from the house as to prevent easy access to the roof of the structure. Mice can invade attics where they will feed on seeds and acorns found in the gutters of homes. Be sure to clean the gutters regularly.

Mouse-Proof Construction: The most successful and permanent form of house mouse control is to "build them out" by eliminating all openings through which they can enter a structure. All places where food is stored, processed or used should be made mouse-proof. Dried grain and meat products should be stored in glass jars, metal canisters or other re-sealable airtight containers.

A young mouse can pass through an opening the size of a 10 pence piece! It is important to inspect for these openings around doorways, garage doors, pipe openings and vent pipe openings. Holes can be sealed temporarily with steal or copper wool or with foam and silicon caulking. A more permanent solution would be to cement openings where possible or repair the area with wood or sheet metal where applicable.

Food sources: Mice or omnivores and will consume seeds, grains and nuts as well as insects, slugs and worms outdoors. Indoors they feed on dried pet foods, cereals, chocolate, candy and all grains & seeds including grass seeds. Common outdoor sources of food are bird feeders, vegetable gardens, trash containers, pet foods and barbecues. Indoors they will invade pantries, pet bowls, stored bird and grass seeds in garages and basements.

Seasonal Defence: Although mice are an all year round pest, during the winter or colder periods you may find increased activity in building, homes and out house buildings. Proofing of entry holes are recommended before the onset of cold weather.

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Mouse Pictures

Adult house mouse