Mice - THE HOUSE MOUSE (MUS DOMESTICUS)
- Why mice are pests?
- Looking for evidence of mice
- SANITATION - Removal of food supply
- ERADICATION - Get rid of mice
- EXCLUSION - Proofing against future infestations
Why mice are pests?
Mice numbers need to be controlled because: 
- They carry diseases that are hazardous to both humans and animals. Diseases include typhus, trichinosis, and leptospirosis (Weil's disease)
- They eat and can contaminate all types of food.
- They can damage and destroy property and are regularly responsible for electrical damage.
Looking for evidence of mice
Mice are most active at night, but they can be seen occasionally during daylight hours. In the case of a minor infestation mice are not necessarily seen, but there are many signs that give away their presence:
- Droppings
Mice produce over 30 droppings per day which are similar to rice in size and shape, but are black in colour. Looking for droppings is usually the easiest and fastest way to reveal mice activity. These droppings are often located in the kitchen press under the sink; behind the fridge near the compressor; and in the hot press on the floor. 
Gnawing
Mice teeth grow all the time and they need to gnaw to wear them down. They gnaw paper packaging to get access to food, or use shredded paper for their nest. They also make little holes 20-30mm in diameter to get access through plasterboards and other physical barriers Mice damage to electrical wire (ceiling lamp)- Noise
Mice walk up to 200 metres per day. In many instances the noise they make while walking above the ceiling or behind the bedroom plasterboard walls is the first sign of activity noticed by residents. This noise may sound very loud at night when everything is quiet. Moreover hollow ceiling space may amplify the noise and give the wrong impression of rat activity instead of mice. - Smell
Distasteful as this may be, an infestation of rodents will be accompanied by quite a strong urine smell, especially if they've been there for some time.
SANITATION - Removal of food supply
Mice only eat 2 to 4 grams per day of almost anything, but they prefer cereal grains, seeds, or sweet material. They require very little water, obtaining most of their water needs from their food. They also cache food as supply permits. It is therefore paramount to remove all food access to mice:
- All food that 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 sealable airtight containers.
- If food is eaten in the living room or bedrooms, residents must make sure they clean up after eating and vacuum the room. Any kind of crumbs or food debris will be enough feed few mice.
- Accumulations of waste materials and rubbish/debris attract mice. Food waste must be disposed of promptly and appropriately in a sealed bin.
ERADICATION - Get rid of mice
In appropriate living conditions (food, water, and shelter), mice can multiply rapidly: they produce about 8 litters in a one year and each litter has 4-7 pups. It is important to get rid of mice quickly before they are too numerous, damage pipe cables and insulation, and infest your facility.
If total control is not achieved rapidly, mice will rebuild their population. There are also situations were mice harbourage cannot be accessed (ceilings, walls...). For all these reasons it is preferable to consult a professional Pest Controller who will know exactly who to handle each situation in order to achieve complete control.
Owl Pest Control Technicians have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with mice from any area around your home & office, e.g.:
- Mice in walls
- Mice in ceiling
- Mice under floor boards
- Mice in kitchen
- Mice in Hot Press
EXCLUSION - Proofing against future infestations
The final part of mice control is to undertake proofing work to prevent future infestations. Unfortunately a house mouse can squeeze through 6mm openings, and it may be very difficult to locate such little holes. Generally you should check:
- Doors and windows. Check for any gaps around the frame or under the door
- Air vents
- Waste pipes and gas/water pipes
- Electrical / telephone / cable supply.
Contact Owl Pest Control or Call 01 452 3680 for more advice and Mice Control Services.
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