- House mice are small rodents that are a common pest found in and around human structures.
- They are typically dusty gray in color with cream-colored bellies, and have a pointed snout, large ears, and a long, hairless tail.
- House mice are highly adaptable, breed rapidly, and can cause significant health and property damage through their burrowing, nesting, and feeding behaviors.
- They are known to spread diseases like salmonella and listeria through their urine, droppings, and nesting materials.
- House mice are nocturnal and prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas like wall cavities, under floors, and in storage spaces.
Identifying a House Mouse Infestation
- Signs of a house mouse infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, rub marks, tracks, nests, and the actual sighting of mice
- House mice have a strong, musky odor that can be detected in areas of heavy infestation5.
- They leave behind distinctive four-toed front paw prints and five-toed hind paw prints as they travel along established runway.
Preventing and Controlling House Mice
- Sealing up potential entry points larger than 5mm, maintaining good sanitation, and removing food sources can help prevent house mouse infestations1.
- Professional pest control services are often recommended for effective mouse control, as they have access to more potent rodenticides and traps1.
- DIY methods like using break-back traps and amateur-use poisons can also be effective, but require careful handling and disposal1.
- Cats and other natural predators can help control house mouse populations, but are not a complete solution on their own4.
In summary, house mice are a common and problematic pest that can pose significant health and property risks if left unchecked. Proper identification, prevention, and professional control measures are key to managing house mouse infestations.
If you’ve got a problem with house mice and would like a pest control specialist to help, please call Steve on 07535 949910.