Mice
The house mouse is found
throughout Britain and is the most common species affecting
domestic properties. It is also found living outside and in
outbuildings.
Description and life
cycle
Adult mice weigh around 25 gm and are about 20 cm
long, including tail. Colours vary but they usually have brown fur
on the back with lighter grey underneath. They have poor sight but
excellent hearing and sense of smell. Strong teeth allow them to
chew through most materials. Their droppings are dark and rice size
and they pass urine drops frequently.
Mice live for 9 to 12 months. Breeding occurs all year, especially
in our heated homes. The female has up to 8 litters each year with
5 to 6 young. She can become pregnant again whilst she is suckling
a litter. Young mice start to breed when they are 6 weeks
old.
Problems they cause
Mice spread many diseases which are harmful to man,
especially because they get onto work surfaces, food, equipment and
utensils so easily.
They eat our food but spoil even more with their droppings, urine
and hairs. Their gnawing damages timber, pipes, cables and
household items.
Treatment
Our Pest Control Officers will provide the professional help
needed. They will inspect the property to determine the extent of
the problem and then treatment will be carried out, normally with
baits being laid.
The Pest Control team can be contacted by: -
Telephone:
020 8430 4133 (Mon - Fri 9am -
5pm)
Fax:
020 8430 1547
E-mail:
pestcontrol@newham.gov.uk
Control
It is important to check for ways the rats are getting in and take
action to stop them:
- Fit bristle strips to the base of exterior doors if there is a
gap beneath.
- Fill holes and gaps through walls, especially around pipes.
Tips - fill both sides of cavity and partition walls and push wire
wool into the holes first and finish with mastic or filler.
- Check floors for holes and large gaps under skirting boards.
Seal with wire wool, mastic, filler or sheet material cut to
shape.
- Replace damaged or missing air vents and grilles, small gauge
mesh can be fitted but never block them as stopping ventilation can
be dangerous and cause damage to the property.
Do all you can to remove sources of food for the mice, they will be
more likely to feed on our baits:
- Clear up after every meal and don't leave any food lying
around, especially overnight.
- Keep waste in a bin with a lid.
- Clean kitchen floors regularly and vacuum carpets thoroughly.
Tip - don't forget to move kitchen equipment and lounge furniture
and clean beneath.
- Clean and remove pet food bowls after feeding.
- Wipe work surfaces with disinfectant before preparing
food.
- Remove mouse droppings whenever they are found. As well as
improving hygiene this will help our Officer to tell where mice may
still be active.
Keep the house and garden tidy so that the mice can't easily
shelter or nest:
- Keep food in wall cupboards rather than base units.
- Use jars or sealed containers for packaged or loose food.
- Tidy up cupboards and check the loft and cellar, they can be
favourite places for mice to nest