House Mice – A Closer Look at an Unwelcome Guest

When you think of common pests in UK homes, the house mouse often comes to mind. It is one of those animals that people hope to avoid, but if you live in an older property or a rural area, the chances are you have seen one or noticed signs of their presence.

I have come across mice in all sorts of places: lofts, kitchen cupboards, under floorboards, even behind appliances and inside cavity walls. One thing that often surprises people is how easily mice can gain access to a property. Adult house mice are incredibly flexible and can fit through openings as small as 6 to 7 millimetres in diameter. This is possible due to their cylindrical body shape, lack of a rigid collarbone, and the ability to compress their rib cage slightly. Essentially, if a mouse can get its head through a gap, the rest of the body can usually follow. This anatomical adaptation allows them to exploit tiny cracks and openings around doors, pipes, and utility conduits.

Although mice are not inherently dirty, their constant gnawing, nesting habits, and potential to spread disease make them a real issue indoors. I have seen loft insulation shredded into nests, electrical wires chewed right through, and food packaging ruined, even in homes that are otherwise spotless.

Telltale signs of a mouse problem often include small black droppings, scratching or rustling sounds in walls or ceilings, and greasy smear marks along their regular travel paths. These routes are usually near skirting boards or along pipe runs and can be surprisingly well established.

Mice breed rapidly, and a small initial problem can quickly turn into a full-scale infestation. Regularly inspecting potential entry points and sealing any gaps you find is one of the most effective ways to prevent them getting in.

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