How to tell if you have mice
Mice are shy and mostly active at night, so you often spot the signs before the animal. Look for:
- Small, dark, rice-shaped droppings along skirting boards, in cupboards and behind appliances
- Scratching or scuttling noises in walls, ceilings or lofts, usually at night
- Gnawed packaging, food, cables or wood
- Greasy rub marks along walls and a musty, ammonia-like smell
- Nests made from shredded paper, fabric or insulation
One dropping can mean one mouse, but a lot of droppings in several places usually means an established problem.
How mice get in
Mice can squeeze through gaps of around 6mm, roughly the width of a pencil. Common entry points include:
- Gaps around pipes and cables where they enter the building
- Air bricks, vents and damaged brickwork
- Gaps under doors and around garage or shed doors
- Cracks in the foundations or damaged drains
Walk around the outside of your property and check each of these. Sealing them is the most important long-term step.
How to get rid of mice in the house
1. Remove what attracts them
Store dry food, pet food and bird seed in sealed containers, clear up crumbs and spills, and take rubbish out regularly. Without easy food, mice are less likely to stay.
2. Use traps
Snap traps are the most reliable DIY option when they are used properly. Place them against walls where you have seen droppings or runs, with the trigger end next to the wall, because mice tend to run along edges. Use more than one trap, and check them daily. Wear gloves when you dispose of a mouse and wash your hands afterwards.
If you prefer a humane approach, live-catch traps can work too, but check them very regularly and release the mouse well away from your home. Mice that are released nearby can find their way back.
3. Be careful with poison
Poisons carry risks for children, pets and wildlife, and a poisoned mouse can die somewhere hard to reach, causing smells and attracting flies. Professional-grade rodenticides are tightly controlled in the UK, so this is one area where it is best to leave it to a trained technician.
4. What about natural remedies?
Peppermint oil, vinegar and similar home remedies are popular online, but there is little evidence they get rid of an established infestation. They might deter a mouse for a short while, but they will not solve the problem on their own. Use them, at most, alongside proofing and trapping.
How to stop mice coming back
- Seal gaps and holes with wire wool and cement or a suitable proofing material, because mice can chew through foam and plastic
- Fit brushes or strips to the bottom of external doors
- Keep gardens tidy and avoid piles of wood or clutter against the house
- Keep food and waste stored securely
- Check lofts, garages and sheds regularly
When to call a professional
It is time to call in an expert if:
- You are still seeing signs after a week or two of trapping
- You can hear mice in walls, ceilings or lofts you cannot reach
- You have a business, rental property or food premises, where you need documented treatment
- You have children, pets or vulnerable people at home and want to avoid the risks of DIY treatment
A professional will identify how mice are getting in, treat the problem and advise on proofing so it does not return. If you are wondering what that costs, see our guide to how much pest control costs in the UK. Not sure whether to call a pest controller or an exterminator? Read pest control vs exterminator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of mice?
A combination works best and quickest: remove food sources, set several snap traps along walls, and seal entry points. If the problem persists, a professional treatment is the fastest route.
Do mice go away on their own?
Rarely. If mice have found food and shelter, they usually stay and breed. A small number can become a large infestation quickly.
Can mice cause health problems?
Yes. Mice can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine and can carry bacteria such as salmonella. Clean affected areas carefully with disinfectant and wear gloves.
How do I get rid of mice humanely?
Use live-catch traps, check them often, and release mice a good distance from your home. Seal entry points so new mice cannot get in.
Need help with mice?
If you would like an expert to find the source of the problem and get rid of mice for good, visit anticimex.co.uk to get in touch with our team.