Rodents are a common problem in every type of domestic property. As long as they are identified and eliminated swiftly, all will be well. If they remain, over time they can adversely affect the state of the house as well as causing illness in humans, so householders need to be vigilant.
Rats are much bigger than mice, and so are their droppings, so it is easy to know which is which. Mice droppings are about 1/4 inch (6mm) long, smaller than a grain of rice, and rat droppings are about three times the size, 3/4 inch (19mm) long. The droppings are dark brown in colour and will be seen on floors and work surfaces, as well as in cupboards.
Aside from the droppings, you will see plenty of evidence of the rodents. They chew everything; cereal boxes and plastic bags containing food as well as woodwork, pipework and insulation. They are likely to be living in any inaccessible space, such as inside walls, under floors, in sheds or garages. Often you will be able to hear them moving about.
Rodents are attracted by easily available food sources such as pet food and kitchen waste. Kitchen compost should be kept away from the house and treated with lime to speed up decomposition. Garbage needs to be kept in a sealed metal container with a lid, and pet food must be cleared away after feeding.
A bite from a mouse or rat can cause infection, and rodents also spread disease in their urine and droppings. Their ticks and fleas can be disease carriers too. Any food they have partially eaten or otherwise been in contact with must be thrown away, as it can cause food poisoning. Any contaminated surfaces, where rodents may have run, have to be disinfected before being used for food preparation.
A few rodents will quickly become many if they start breeding in your house. The harm to your property could be serious if they gnaw through electric wires and insulation. Their teeth are strong enough to damage wallboards and ceilings.
Removing available food will have some deterrent effect, and devices such as ultra-sonic repellers can be helpful, but ultimately only killing rodents will be completely effective. Set spring-loaded traps across their pathways, baited with cheese, dried fruit such as raisins, or a mixture of oats and peanut butter. The bait should be on the side nearest the wall.
Handle dead mice and rats only with gloves, and wrap them into doubled plastic bags. Find out if local rules permit putting them into the dustbin, or alternatively they can be buried in a hole at least 18 inches deep. Use a ten per cent bleach solution to clean the traps.
Rodents are a frequent and unpleasant problem, and one which must not be ignored, but effective solutions are available. If trapping does not work, consider contacting your local authority or a specialist vermin control company.
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What to do about mice and rats
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