How to Get Rid of Mice

Discovering mice in your home or business is a significant concern. They present a serious risk to public health and can cause substantial structural damage. As their rapid breeding cycle can lead to a widespread infestation very quickly, swift and effective action is essential.

It's easy to underestimate a small mouse, but an infestation poses significant risks that go far beyond a simple annoyance. Understanding the hazards highlights why fast, effective control is essential.

If you suspect you have mice, follow this guide to manage and control the infestation. But first, it is important to understand that there are two common types of mice which you will likely be encountering. For each species, there are certain controls that can only be taken.

Look for these common signs of mouse activity:

It is crucial to understand that two common mouse species may be encountered in UK properties, and the control methods for each are legally different.

• House Mouse (Mus musculus): Typically lives indoors year-round.
• Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): Primarily lives outdoors but may venture inside for food and shelter, especially during colder months.

This distinction is critical: It is illegal to use anticoagulant rodenticides (common poisons) to control Field Mice due to the high risk of secondary poisoning to wildlife.

You can take immediate steps to make your property less hospitable for mice.

• Store all food items, including pet food, in sealed, rodent-proof (plastic, metal or glass) containers.
• Thoroughly clean all food debris and crumbs from floors, surfaces, and cupboards.
• Restrict access to all waste
• Declutter the area. Remove cardboard, paper, and other potential harbourages that mice could use for nesting.

• Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6 mm. Conduct a thorough inspection of the building's exterior and interior.
• Check Gaps: Look for gaps around waste/water pipes, in brickwork (especially from old pipes or missing mortar), and under doors.
• Vents & Weep Holes: Cover external air vents with fine-gauge wire mesh (do not block ventilation). Proof weep holes with appropriate inserts.
• Use Suitable Materials: Do not use expanding foam, as mice can easily gnaw through it. Use durable materials such as cement, steel wool, or wire mesh for repairs.

• Physical Traps (Break-Back): These can be an effective, non-toxic method. For best results, place traps unset for a few days with a bait to allow the mice to become accustomed to them. Once they are confidently feeding, set the traps and check them frequently.
• Rodenticide Considerations: If you are certain you have House Mice, rodenticides are an option, but they carry significant risks:
  
  • Primary and secondary poisoning of wildlife.
  • Danger to pets and children.
  • The risk of mice dying in inaccessible areas (e.g., wall cavities), leading to a severe odour and potentially secondary insect infestations.

When an infestation persists, or for immediate, guaranteed results, a professional solution is the most effective choice. DIY methods often fail to address the root cause and can carry significant legal and safety risks.

Rentokil's approach is a comprehensive, expert service based on our established ERDM principles (Exclusion, Restriction, Destruction, and Monitoring).

Several common myths persist regarding mouse control.

• Getting a Cat: It's often believed a cat will solve a mouse problem. While cats may instinctively hunt mice, a well-fed domestic pet is rarely an effective or reliable control method for an established infestation.
• Natural Repellents: Plants and oils like peppermint, chamomile, lavender, cloves, and chillies are often cited as deterrents. While mice may dislike strong smells, these methods are not potent enough to prevent or eliminate an active infestation.