As the chill sets in, Brits are warned to brace for a mouse invasion as rodents seek warmth indoors.
John Stewart from Pelsis UK, an expert on sustainable pest prevention, is dishing out top tips to keep these critters at bay.
“Mice are among the most problematic pests, particularly during the winter when they move indoors in search of a safe environment,” says John.
“Once they’ve found a suitable space with access to food and water, they can quickly establish themselves, making it essential to address any potential issues as soon as possible.”
He stressed that once mice set up shop, they breed like wildfire. To prevent these rodents, it’s important make your home the last place they’d want to be, reports the Express.
John points out: “During the winter, mice seek shelter indoors, often drawn by easily accessible food.”
So, if you don’t fancy sharing your snacks with a family of mice, John’s advice is clear: stash your food away and keep those pesky squatters out.
“Store food in sealed containers and keep them in high cupboards, out of reach of mice,” he advises. “It’s also important to ensure that rubbish bags are placed in secure bins to deny mice any further food sources.”
According to Rentokil, “mice feed little and often, only needing about 3g of food a day to survive – three once frozen peas under the freezer, some crumbs wedged between the cooker and the cupboard and that half-eaten biscuit long forgotten down the side of the sofa are more than enough”.
Keeping your home clean and free from crumbs and other tasty morsels is the most effective way to keep furry friends at bay, but there are other tricks you can try.
John said: “Homeowners have several options for dealing with rodents, whether they prefer humane live-catch traps or traditional traps for quicker results.”
Humane solutions, such as indoor repellents, can deter rodents without harming them. “These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to rodents but inaudible to humans,” John adds.
Another recommendation is to recognise the early signs of a mouse infestation, which is key to preventing it from escalating. “Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and shredded materials that may indicate nesting activity,” advises John Stewart, adding that common hiding spots include attics, under kitchen units, and behind appliances.
Mice are masters at slipping into tiny cracks, and experts suggest checking places such as kitchen kick plates and electrical cupboards where they love to nest and nibble on wires.
Why winter is the prime time for rodents to invite themselves indoors.
The big freeze sees mice on the hunt for cosy spots, along with reliable grub and water supply with them often invading our homes through any little nook they can find, including vents. Nipping potential entry points in the bud now saves you a heap of bother, not to mention dosh, later on.
He added: “Taking preventive action now can save homeowners a lot of trouble down the line. Prevention is always better than having to deal with an infestation once it’s established.”
For those who need more advice or pro help to keep those pesky critters at bay, it’s best to reach out to gurus like Pelsis UK, famed for their sustainable and kind-to-animals pest prevention savvy.