Pests and Nuisance

How do I know if I have got mice or rats at my property?

Evidence of unseen rats and mice may include scratching and scurrying noises in the roof etc. and the presence of chewed food, paper and droppings.

Rat droppings are black torpedo shapes about 1 centimetre long, while mouse droppings are about 3 millimetres in size like small pieces of pencil lead.

As rodents, they have to keep gnawing to wear continually growing incisor teeth down. Electrical insulation, foam pipe insulation and plastic water pipes are ideal for the purpose, with often property or life threatening results.

Mice are a major health hazard; they spread diseases, which may be fatal to humans. This is through eating food that is meant for human consumption, and contaminating the remaining food with urine, droppings and fur. Any affected food must be disposed of.

What may cause an infestation?

The most common reason for mice to venture into houses is that they are plentiful outside and the weather turns cooler so they move indoors. Outdoors a constant supply of food will attract them. Another main cause is because wild birds are fed, over fed, throughout the year. If feeding birds avoid throwing waste food onto the ground where it will attract rodents.

How do they get inside my property?

In most building construction, mice have only to breach the outer wall to gain access to a cavity, that allows direct access to roof voids, voids between different floor levels, sink units, airing cupboards etc. i.e. almost everywhere in the building.

They may gain access to a cavity wall where the seal under the doorstep is incomplete, via air bricks, poor mortar joints and in fact anywhere that would allow a pen top to be poked through the cavity.

They can also climb external walls very rapidly, especially if rough or ivy covered to gain access under the eaves.

What treatment is available?

Mice are particularly difficult to control because of the rate at which they breed and are able to colonise new areas. You are required by law to deal with and rectify any mice problems on your property.

Rodenticides are available from may retail outlets. Unfortunately, although claiming effectiveness on rats and mice several commonly sold anticoagulants do not kill mice.

If you decide to treat them yourself you should be aware that legal requirements also cover the type and safe use of poison and traps, so any attempts at DIY should always involve firstly reading the labels on the product and secondly strictly obeying the instructions.

Remember not to overlook places like roof spaces when placing the bait.

By ensuring that your property is in good condition and not in need of repair, and that there is no food left around the property or garden this will prevent mice from being encouraged onto your property.

Charges for rats and mice destruction

Domestic premises £20.00 

Residents claiming disability benefit, state pension or housing benefit are entilted to a 50% reduction.

Advice visits i.e. unidentified noises £10.00

Missed appointments will be charged £25.00

Commercial premises £40.00