Mice infestations are a common problem across all areas of the UK due to their rapid reproduction rates and being able survive off pretty much anything as a food source. Below we have put together a list of the best methods to use to eliminate mice from your property.
Mice Control Methods
Rodent Proof Your Home – eliminating entry points to your home is a good way to stop a mouse infestation from expanding or even stop them from occurring at all. By eliminating entry points to your property it stops mice from having easy access and can be a good defence against infestations. This task can be quite difficult due to the fact that mice can squeeze through gaps just a quarter of an inch in size! The best way to judge if a hole is big enough for a mouse to fit through is to use a pen, if the pen fits in the space then so could a mouse! Ensure that cracks in the foundation are sealed as well as any openings in walls, including where vents and utility pipes are installed. Corking and steel woo are the best materials to use as plastics wood and rubber are no challenge for a mouse to gnaw through. If there are gaps in windows and doors then weather stripping is best to use to properly seal them.
Use Mouse Traps – If you have an ongoing problem with a mice infestation then the best way to get rid of them is to set mouse traps. Wooden snap traps will do the job for smaller mice infestations, but don't underestimate the scale of the infestation, make sure you lay plenty of traps and maybe try a few different types such as bait traps, glue traps and multiple capture live traps as well as the wooden traps. This will give you the best chance of catching all the mice.
Use The Right Bait – You can either use whatever the mice have been eating from your house as bait or common favourites of mice such as chocolate, oatmeal, dried fruit, bacon and peanut butter. When you come to set the baited trap tie the bait to the trigger using dental floss or fishing wire this will ensure the capture of the mouse instead of it just taking off with the bait. Make sure you re bait the traps every two days with fresh bait. If you find that food isn't working as bait then you could try using nesting materials such as feathers and cotton balls.
Place Traps Properly – Traps need to be placed perpendicular to walls with the trigger facing the skirting board. Place traps wherever you see signs of mice such as droppings or streaks on walls and skirting boards. Change the location of the traps every two days as mice are naturally curious so they wont avoid the traps.
Good Sanitation – Although good sanitation will not get rid of a mouse infestation poor sanitation can certainly attract them! Mice are able to survive on 3-4 grams of food per day so just a few crumbs around the house is all they need. Hoover floors and wipe down surfaces to eliminate easy access to food. Keep all rubbish bags in the bin as a plastic bag is no match for the teeth of a mouse to chew through.
Remove Hiding Places For Mice Inside and Outside Your Home – Any debris around your home inside or out can be perfect hiding places for mice so it is a good idea to keep clutter to a minimum and remove and weeds from around your property. By doing this any signs of mice will also be easier to spot and control the problem before it escalates. If you find any burrows or nesting areas make sure that you destroy them.
Pest Control Specialist – If you have been unsuccessfully with these mice control methods or are unsure on how to properly use these methods then the best way to get rid of a mice infestation is to call out a professional pest controller, they have the knowledge and equipment to make short work of a mouse infestation and ensure effective results.
If you have an existing mice infestation or suspect you may have one and need mice control from an expert then call Kapow Pest Control today on - 01373 813 721