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Mice

Mice activity is very similar to that of rats and should be easily recognised.
 
Droppings
 
Mice are totally incontinent and leave faeces were ever they go. Even with a small infestation there will be plenty of droppings scattered around. Droppings are spindle shaped, approximately ¼ inch long and often found on the ‘runs’ frequently used by the mice.
 
Gnawing
 
Mice gnaw anything and everything.
 
For this reason they are capable of causing a great deal of damage to:
 
  • Food packaging and containers
  • Wiring
  • Pipes
  • Skirting boards
  • Doors and door frames
 
...to name just a few items that mice will gnaw.
 
Holes
 
Holes may be seen outside of your premises such as under sheds, but mice will gather and nest in any area that provides them harbourage above and below ground level.  
 
Hearing mice activity
 
This is often the first indication to there presence - scratching noises coming from wall cavities, under floors and in loft spaces.
 
Behaviour
 
Mice will live anywhere, above or below ground, indoors or outdoors, as long as there is a supply of food, water and nesting materials. Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm.
 
Their favourite food is cereal products although they will eat almost anything that humans eat. They will gnaw and rip through packaging to get to food.
 
Diseases
 
Mice carry infestations that are hazardous to both humans and domestic pets. Diseases they carry include Trichinosis, Typhus and Weils disease.
 
More information
 
See our pest control pages for more details.

Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN.   
Telephone: (0118) 974 6000    Minicom: (0118) 974 6991    Email: wokinghambc@wokingham.gov.uk