Of the mice in Ireland, only the House Mouse is a pest in urban environments, although Field Mice and Wood Mice can be a problem in rural homes in the autumn and winter. Where these species enter homes, control is the same as for the house mice. The numbers of both rats and mice have been steadily rising in Ireland over the last few years. The combination of mild winters and poor control methods has allowed populations to boom.

It is often the evidence of rodent infestation that is noticed first. You may hear a scurrying or gnawing sound in your roof space or under the floor. Perhaps you find a bar of chocolate half eaten in a cupboard. More alarming might be an electrical problem, caused by rodents gnawing though your wiring.

Mouse droppings are less than 1/4 inch (4mm) long, dark brown or black in colour and usually quite numerous. A mouse can produce around 80 droppings in a day! Many droppings may be found together where there are many mice or they have been present for months. In this case a trail of greasy marks may also be visible. This is caused by the oils from their fur being continually wiped where the mice run. The grease becomes dirty and a trail is visible. This is a sign of a heavy infestation.

HOW TO TACKLE MICE

There are a number of pest control methods you can use to control a mouse infestation.

The common mousetrap is still one of the most popular and effective means of eliminating mice from the home. Mice normally tend to follow the run of the heating pipes in the house, so the best places to position your traps is in the hotpress, in the attic or around the pipes of the radiators where they meet the floor.

Mouse poison is easily available in most hardware stores. Mouse baits are available in grain form or in handy sachets to be placed near signs of infestation.

For serious or persistent mouse infestations, contact X-Pest. We have at our disposal a range of rodenticide products which are not available to the householder, and the professional knowledge to deal with any infestation.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

Good housekeeping is essential with an infestation of mice in the home. Simple things like sweeping or vacuuming in dining areas, wiping off tables and counter tops, etc. ensures that there are no crumbs or leftovers available for mice.

Do not leave foodstuffs on counter tops over night; put bread in a sealed bread-bin, etc.

Holes in walls and around pipe work are an ideal point of entry for mice, so block them up with cement or filler.

If you come across any droppings in the house, keep a sample to show to the pest control technician. This makes identification of your infestation much easier. (But always wear gloves!)