Yahoo News Six signs of mice in your home as pest control experts say rodent activity peaks during winter
Householders are being urged to stay alert to signs of mouse activity in their homes.
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says rodent activity tends to peak during the winter months, so it’s important to take action now before cold weather drives them to seek shelter indoors. If mice move in, they can pose a risk to human health through their nesting, eating and travelling habits.
Natalie Bungay, technical manager at BPCA, said: "Mice spread diseases to humans, including salmonella and hantavirus, through their urine and droppings, but are also known to carry dirt and bacteria on their body, feet and fur, which can transfer to surfaces such as counter tops, pantry shelves and food packaging. Mice tend to nest near a food source and as they move around, will mark their territory with urine, so anyone with an infestation is at risk of coming into contact with these bacteria."
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Mice can also cause damage to property as they need to gnaw to maintain their teeth. Natalie added: "Mice have the ability to gnaw through water and gas pipes, electrical cables and woodwork, which can result in electrical fires and household floods, so it is important to take action if you discover signs of a mouse in the house.
"They also have rapid breeding cycles, with female mice being able to produce between five and 10 litters in a year, so an infestation can quickly spiral out of control. We recommend taking basic steps such as storing food securely and keeping bin lids firmly closed.
"Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm x 9.5mm and our online guide has some household hints and proofing tips – such as plugging gaps around electrical wires - to help deter them from getting inside in the first place." If the presence of mice – or a serious infestation – is identified, BPCA recommends seeking professional help to tackle the problem. The group has a detailed online guide with a video, for anyone concerned about mice.
Signs you may have mice in your home
On its website, the BPCA has explained that the presence of mice is usually detected from one of the following signs:
Mice droppings - these are often black, and about the size and shape of a grain of rice. Fresh droppings will be soft and moist. Each mouse can leave approximately 80 droppings per day. Common places to find mouse droppings are under the kitchen sink, around central heating boilers and in roof spaces
Strong ammonia smell - mice urinate frequently
Smear marks - these are dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with the oils in mouse fur
Nests - sometimes nests can be found indoors for example in lofts, under floorboards or in airing cupboards
Damage to stored food in cupboards and pantries
Gnaw marks on materials such as wood, carpets, paper, pipe cables and furniture.
