WITH the weather taking a turn, Brits could find themselves at risk of letting unwanted visitors enter their homes.
And if the thought of a mouse crawling over your kitchen side makes you squirm, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
It turns out that mice often try to make their way inside homes at this time of year in search of warmth, food and shelter from the cold.
But these furry friends, who sneak in through the most unsuspecting cracks and holes, can cause significant problems.
As a result, John Stewart, a technical expert from sustainable pest prevention specialist Pelsis UK, has shared his top tips to prevent unwanted pests from entering your homes this Autumn.
He warned that mice become a particularly pressing issue during the colder weather, as he said: “Mice are among the most problematic pests, particularly during the winter when they move indoors in search of a safe environment.
“Once they’ve found a suitable space with access to food and water, they can quickly establish themselves, making it essential to address any potential issues as soon as possible.”
Not only are mice a bit of a nuisance, but they also pose significant health risks as they can carry diseases that are transmittable to humans and pets.
If that wasn’t bad enough, they can also cause substantial structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and even wooden beams, which can lead to dangerous electrical fires and pricey repairs.
But fear not, as John has shared his advice on the preventive measures you must take before mice come in from the garden.
John stressed the importance of recognising the early signs of a mouse infestation, as he advised: “Look for droppings, gnaw marks and shredded materials that may indicate nesting activity.
“Common hiding spots for mice include attics, under kitchen units, and behind appliances.”
John warned that if you suspect mice have already infiltrated your home, it’s important to act fast to prevent further damage.
He recommended: “Homeowners have several options for dealing with rodents, whether they prefer humane live-catch traps or traditional traps for quicker results.”
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden...
WHETHER you can hear them they're scurrying around your house, or underneath your decking, there's one reason you have mice...
Fabulous’ Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, is a gardening enthusiast. She explains why it’s not uncommon to have mice, but you should be concerned if you have rats.
“Our gardens are homes to various animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels. But there’s one animal no one wants to find – mice or rats.
“Mice can be destructive, and rats are just downright scary, and send everyone into a panic.
“But mice are common all across the UK – and one or two in the garden is not cause for alarm.
“Wood mice and field mice will easily get in your home since they are small enough to squeeze in almost anywhere. However, they are more likely to shelter in garages, sheds, and outhouses because they provide easier access to the outside world.
“You’re also more likely to see mice inside during the autumn and winter months.
“As for rats, they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases. They tend to set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps.
“Rats are mostly nocturnal so you may not see them when you’re in your garden, but there are some signs to look out for: tunnels or ‘runs’, droppings, gnawed wood, or teeth marks in crops.”
When it comes to humane solutions, such as indoor repellents, which can deter rodents without harming them, John added: “These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to rodents but inaudible to humans.”
But if you want to ensure that mice stay well away from your home, you’ll need to follow John’s simple, but free advice.
How quickly can a mice infestation multiply?
IF you want to keep mice out of your home, here's everything you need to know...
Rapid Reproduction:
- Breeding Age: Mice can start reproducing as early as 6 weeks old.
- Gestation Period: The gestation period for mice is approximately 19-21 days.
- Litter Size: A female mouse can give birth to a litter of 5-12 pups.
Exponential Growth:
- Frequency of Litters: A single female mouse can have up to 10 litters per year.
- Population Explosion: Under optimal conditions, a pair of mice can lead to a population of over 100 mice in just a few months.
Ideal Conditions:
- Shelter and Food: Warm environments with abundant food sources accelerate population growth.
- Survival Rate: High survival rates of young mice contribute to rapid infestation escalation.
Control Measures:
- Early Detection: Quick identification and intervention are crucial to prevent a full-blown infestation.
- Professional Help: Engaging pest control services can effectively manage and eliminate the problem.
By understanding their rapid reproductive cycle, you can better appreciate the urgency of addressing a mice infestation promptly.
He suggested that homeowners cut off food sources, as he explained: “Mice and rodents will always take advantage of easily accessible food supplies.
“To prevent an infestation, it’s essential to secure all food products.
“Store food in sealed containers and keep them in high cupboards, out of reach of mice.”
Not only this, but he also explained what you need to do with your bins, as he concluded: “It’s also important to ensure that rubbish bags are placed in secure bins.”
