MICE
DESPITE CARTOONS SUCH AS TOM & JERRY AND Mickey Mouse POPULARISING MICE, they pose a potentially lethal threat to humans and our habitats.
Occasionally tolerated as temporary house guests (thanks Stuart Little), mice are unfortunately dirty, crafty, and prolific breeders. Infestation numbers can surge and fast become uncontrollable.
Pests on business premises affect brand reputation, customer reviews, employee morale, operational efficiency and, ultimately, revenue and profits. A mouse infestation can also cause loss of stock, property damage and pose health risks to employees.
Thankfully, mice often leave clues behind that are easy to recognise early. This allows us to deal with infestations quickly and efficiently using modern techniques. Full Guard does a great deal of preventative mouse control across both domestic and commercial environments.
DIY mouse removal and control may be tempting but is rarely effective. It may seem the cheaper option but the effectiveness of a sub-standard products, incorrect pest identification treatment and/or ultimately additional professional services will make the overall cost higher in the long run.
INFESTATION IDENTIFICATION
Is there a mouse in your house?
DROPPINGS
Mice produce around 50 to 80 droppings a night, small and dark (approx. 3-8 mm in length), scattered randomly. Check inside or on cupboard tops or along skirting.
RUB MARKS
Grease and dirt on their bodies brush against walls,
floors and skirting on regular routes, and there will be dark smears around holes or around corners.
SCRATCHING NOISES
You tend to hear mice at night when they are most active. Listen for noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements and lofts.
MOUSE PRINTS
Dusty environments such as unused lofts and basements can show up rodent tracks and tail marks. To check for activity, sprinkle flour, talcum powder or china clay and check the next day for fresh tracks.
NESTS
Mice line their nests using easy-to-shred and/or soft materials. Check lofts, suspended ceilings, cavity walls, under floorboards and behind fridges, under stoves and in airing cupboards.
STRONG SMELL
Mice urinate frequently and their wee has a strong ammonia-like smell. The stronger the smell the closer you are to mice activity. This smell can linger for a long time (even after an infestation has been removed).
DOMESTIC SERVICES
People suffering from a fear of mice should opt for our mouse-proofing service as soon as possible – it’s the most effective way to keep them out of your home.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Protecting Your Business
Property owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent free, or, if rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report infestations to the local authority.
Different Species of Mice commonly found in the UK
House Mouse
The house mouse is a small mammal of the order Rodentia, characteristically having a pointed snout, large rounded ears, and a long and hairy tail. It is one of the most abundant species of mouse.
Field Mouse
An adult field mouse can be up to 10.5 cm in length, and its tail between 6 and 9 cm. Its coat is beige, red-brown or dark brown, with a white belly. Its eyes and ears are smaller than those of a house mouse. Field mice are excellent jumpers and their hind legs are stronger than those of house mice.
TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED
GOODNATURE HUMANE TRAPS
Goodnature Traps are Full Guard's favourite.
The A24 automatic mouse trap is designed specifically to target mice and rats. It is humane, fully automated and toxin-free.
Capable of dispatching 24 mice without the need for resetting, we are able to deal with the most prolific infestation in the shortest possible time.
Hard to predict, mice eat very small amounts from a wide range of food sources. Goodnature's engineered chocolate formula has proven incredibly effective attracting mice, and
we at Full Guard have to agree as we have had fantastic results.
