Facts about mice
The council deals with treatment of residential and commercial properties for mice infestation.  Our busiest months are between September and December.

Mice live in dark, quiet places such as under floorboards, behind wall panelling and in roof spaces.

Mice can climb rough surfaces, jump and even swim if necessary.

Mice eat just 3g of food a day, often taken in small amounts from different places.

A female mouse is usually pregnant for 20-23 days, has five to six litters a year with up to around six young in a litter. Mice have been known to have litters every three to four weeks which can lead to an explosion in numbers.

Recognising a mouse problem

Mice tend to come out in late evening, and therefore are rarely seen, however you may notice any of the following signs of mouse activity:

·         A musty smell — left from the urine.

·         Droppings — mice produce about 80 droppings per day. These droppings are generally up to 6mm long and spindle shaped.

·         Holes - gnawed in food wrapping, boxes, bags etc.

·         Smear Marks — due to grease from fur deposits, which are left on habitual mouse runs

What can you do to prevent mice in your home?

The most effective control is to remove access to their sources of food and harbourage. This can be achieved by:

·         Sealing holes larger than 2-3mm with sheet metal or concrete (wire mesh can be used If ventilation is required).

·         Keeping food in tightly fitting containers, preferably in wall cupboards or fridges.

·         Cleaning up food, spills and waste and keep rubbish in bins with tightly fitting lids.

 

Treatment the council can provide

Our pest officers will survey your property to confirm the nature and extent of your problem.  This depends upon how easily they can access void areas. If our officers are able to locate any holes in the property that may be used by pests, they will tell you, but they do not carry out repairs. Please make provisions to block these areas if you do not want the pest problem to return.

We will try to identify potential sources of food and harbourage and give you advice.

We will try to identify where the mice are coming from and tell you how to proof these.   Our officers do not perform proofing works.

We will leave a bait box containing a poison, which kills mice by attacking their circulation. Normally this bait is completely eaten by mice and takes up to 14 days to work.

There is a charge for this service.

After treatment

·         It usually takes approximately two weeks (14 days) for treatment to work.

·         If you still have mice or there is bait left in the box after 14 days, you must contact us within a week (7 days) in order for us to revisit and treat again free of charge.

After 21 days from the date of treatment we will be consider requests for pest control as new treatment, and you will be charged the full amount.