MICE

What do they look like?

The house mouse is slim, between 2 - 7 cms in length, weighs up to 25 gms (1oz) and has a pear-shaped body. It is good at climbing and squeezing into tight holes. It has grey-brown fur which is lighter on its underside. The tail is longer than the head and body length.

The long-tailed field mouse weighs up to 50 gms and usually has brown fur on its back and grey fur underneath. Its ears are large compared to the rest of its body and it has small feet. The tail is the same length as the head and body but is much thinner than the tail of a young rat.

How do you spot them?

Mice leave little black droppings, smaller than an apple pip. They also gnaw on wire, wood and furniture and will take small chunks out of any food that is left lying around.

The house mouse nests behind wall boards, under floors and in partitions. They most active at night and concentrate on small areas if food is plentiful. They will eat whatever we eat. They are less dependent on water and will normally obtain sufficient moisture from their food.

The field mouse is common on farms and not generally considered a pest unless it takes up residence indoors.

How do they affect me?

Mice are a major hazard to health. They spread many diseases, some of which can be fatal to man e.g. Leptosperosis, Salmonellosis. They contaminate our living environments by dribbling urine constantly, by their droppings and fur. They also damage property by gnawing through woodwork, wires, pipes and household items.

How do they live?

Mice live for about one year and can produce up to five young every 4 weeks.

How do you control them?

Call our Contact Centre on 03450 450 063 in order to book a Pest Control appointment or to simply to request advice.

Mouse control begins with good housekeeping. Rubbish and overgrown vegetation should be completely removed from around the outside of buildings. Deny a mouse cover and you may well deny it access. Make sure that your home is in good repair. Good house-keeping inside is also very important. Ensure that no food is left lying around, open foods should be kept in rodent-proof containers. All food refuse should be disposed of in a suitable waste bin with a close fitting lid. If an infestation occurs the only consistently effective method of control is the use of chemical poisons. This type of treatment should be carried out by a Professional Pest Control Technician.

How much will it cost?

South Cambridgeshire District Council charge for the treatment of mice in a domestic premises. Environmental Health Pest Control Fees.