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AS the weather turns, Britons are at risk of unwanted visitors entering their homes.
And if you’re already apprehensive at the thought of a mouse crawling across your kitchen wall, don’t worry: you’ve come to the right place.
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It turns out that mice often try to enter homes at this time of year, looking for warmth, food and shelter from the cold.
But these furry friends, which sneak in through the most unexpected cracks and holes, can cause major problems.
As a result, John Stewart, a technical expert at a sustainable pest control specialist, said Pelsis UKhas shared his top tips for preventing unwanted pests from entering your home this fall.
He warned that mice could become a particularly pressing problem during the colder weather. He said: “Mice are among the most problematic pests, especially in winter when they come indoors in search of safety.
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“Once they find a suitable place with access to food and water, they can quickly establish themselves. That is why it is essential to address any problems as quickly as possible.”
Mice are not only annoying, they also pose a major health risk as they can transmit diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, they can also cause significant structural damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and even wooden beams, leading to dangerous electrical fires and expensive repairs.
But fear not, because John has shared his advice on the preventative measures you can take before mice emerge from your garden.
John stressed the importance of recognising the early signs of a mouse infestation, advising: “Look for droppings, gnaw marks and shredded material which could indicate nesting activity.
“Common hiding places for mice include attics, under kitchen cabinets, and behind appliances.”
John warned that if you suspect mice have entered your home, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
He advised, “Homeowners have several options for dealing with rodents, whether they prefer humane live-capture traps or traditional traps for faster results.”
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden…
Whether you hear them scurrying around your house or under your patio, there’s one reason you’re having a mouse problem…
Fabulous’ Associate Editor Rebecca Miller is a gardening enthusiast who explains why it’s not uncommon to have mice, but you should be concerned if you have rats.
“Our gardens are home to a variety of animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels. But there is one animal that no one wants to find: mice or rats.
“Mice can be destructive, and rats are downright scary and make everyone panic.
“But mice are found all over the UK and if you have one or two in your garden, there is no need to panic.
“Field mice and field mice can easily enter your home because they are small enough to fit almost anywhere. However, they are more likely to hide in garages, sheds and outbuildings because they provide easier access to the outside world.
“Indoors, you are more likely to encounter mice during the fall and winter months.
“As for rats, they are generally considered pests and can potentially spread serious diseases. They usually settle under decking, in sheds or greenhouses and on compost heaps.
“Rats are primarily nocturnal, so you may not see them when you are in your garden. However, there are signs you can look for: tunnels or ‘burrows’, droppings, gnawed wood or teeth marks in crops.”
When it comes to humane solutions, such as indoor insect repellents, that 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 make sure mice stay away from your home, you should follow John’s simple, yet free, advice.
How quickly can a mouse 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 reproduce as early as 6 weeks old.
- Gestation period: The gestation period of mice is approximately 19-21 days.
- Nest size: A female mouse can have a litter of 5 to 12 young.
Exponential growth:
- Frequency of nests: A single female mouse can have up to 10 litters per year.
- Population explosion: Under optimal conditions, a single pair of mice can grow into a mouse population of over 100 mice within a few months.
Ideal conditions:
- Shelter and food: Warm environments with abundant food resources accelerate population growth.
- Survival rate: The high survival rates of young mice contribute to the rapid increase of the plague.
Control measures:
- Early detection: Rapid identification and intervention are crucial to prevent a full-blown infestation.
- Professional help: By calling pest control, you can effectively tackle and solve the problem.
Knowing how quickly mice reproduce can help you gauge the urgency of addressing a mouse infestation as quickly as possible.
He suggested that homeowners should cut off food sources, explaining, “Mice and rodents will always take advantage of easily accessible food supplies.
“To prevent an infestation, it is essential to secure all food products.
“Store food in sealed containers and keep it in tall cupboards, out of reach of mice.”
He also explained what to do with your bins, concluding: “It is also important to ensure that bin liners are placed in secure bins.”
