Mice
- Appearance
- Disease risk and damage
- Proofing against mice
- Control
- Signs of a mouse problem
- Cost of treatment
- Contacts
Appearance
The house mouse is approximately 7 to 9cm in length (excluding the tail that is slightly shorter than the body), with large ears and small eyes. House mice are light to dark grey in colour and weigh between 10 and 25 grams. The underside is often darker than the rest of the body.
|Back to topDisease risk and damage
Mice urinate and defecate indiscriminately, producing up to 80 tiny droppings per day, thus contaminating the areas in which they live. Mice are particularly implicated in the spread of diseases such as salmonellosis. Mice can cause extensive damage to property by gnawing through a wide range of materials. There is a significant risk of fire and electrocution as a result of mice chewing through electric cables and wiring.
Proofing against mice
Buildings can be proofed against mice by blocking any openings through which they can enter. It is important to check that airbricks are in place and intact, that doors fit properly and that there are no unnecessary gaps around water, electricity and gas pipes through which mice can gain access.
Mice enter buildings in search of food and shelter. Improved hygiene will restrict the availability of food, thus decreasing the chances of mice remaining within a property and breeding successfully. Examples of how hygiene can be improved are:
- Keeping food in sealed containers
- Sweeping up any spillages immediately
- Not leaving pet food lying around
- Removing rubbish and other materials
- Cleaning up under units and work surfaces
- Removing food residues from under cookers
Control
Problems with house mice may occur despite the best efforts of householders. Control can be achieved through the use of poison baits or traps.
It is very important that the pesticides are used in accordance with the instructions so that treatment is undertaken both safely and effectively. Rodent bodies and unused poison should either be burnt or buried to minimise the risk of accidental poisoning.
Signs of a mouse problem
The typical signs of a mouse problem are:
- Scratching noises in the walls or ceilings as mice scurry around
- Droppings – mice leave small, dark droppings particularly along walls or in areas of significant mouse activity such as in cupboards or under sinks.
- Distinctive smell – mice leave a trail that leaves an ammonia-like smell that will be particularly strong in more enclosed areas such as under cupboards
- Damage – mice have teeth that grow continuously and will gnaw on wood, plastic, cables and other hard materials
- Nests – mice build nests with shredded material such as newspaper and fabrics. These will tend to be in hidden places such as behind fridges. Nests will often contain young mice.
Cost of Treatment
£113 (Based on 3 Rooms) For Domestic Rate Clients who do not qualify for Means Tested Benefits.
£167 (based on 3 Rooms) for Commercial Rate Clients and Landlords requesting the Service.
£53 For any additional rooms required for both Domestic Rate and Commercial Rate Customers
£31 (Based on 3 Rooms) For Concession Rate Clients who do qualify for the Specified Means Tested Benefits.
£31 (Each for any additional rooms required for Concession Rate Clients
A course of treatment consists of three appointment dates, two weeks between each visit. Two Working Days Notice must be given if you wish to cancel an appointment. If you fail to give Two Working Days Notice or miss an appointment and wish to re-book, a further charge will be made of:
- £31 for Domestic and Commercial Rate Clients
- £18 For Concession Rate Clients.
Contacts
We are here to help and advise so if you are unsure about a subject or wish to arrange a treatment, please contact us.
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Tel 020 8489 1000 (Pest Control - Customer Care Line)
Address
Pest Control Team
Enforcement Response
Urban Environment
Units 271-272
Lee Valley Technopark
Ashley Road
Tottenham
N17 9LN
Fax 020 8489 5133
