The House mouse found in and around buildings, like to feed on different foods from various locations and need very little water, they can get all the water they need, from foods that have a moisture content of at least 15%.. Their droppings will be found along the paths that they take, and you may see evidence of gnawing (Damage to furniture, wires etc).
The House mouse Grey smooth fur, large eyes and ears. Weighing 14 - 20g
Pointed nose, Large eyes
The House mouse can breed quickly, and by being able of having 4 - 8 Litters per year, and between 5 - 8 young in each litter, there numbers can soon stack up. The gestation period is about 21 days, reaching maturity within 5- 6 weeks. Depending on condition the average life span of the house mouse is between 5 - 12 months.
Mice will eat practically anything it can or needs, typically they will eat fruit, nuts, seeds, and grain. In the absence of water, mice can also obtain the water that their body needs from the food they eat.
They can be found in lofts, under flat roofs, basements, between wood, brick, even in gardens.
Reasons for control
Property Damage: Mice will gnaw through electrical cables, skirting boards, old sealant to gain entry
Mouse droppings and urine can cause health issues and contaminate food, also the potential risk of disease like Weil's disease can be transmitted to humans from contact with mice or their urine.
Wash down surfaces regularly if you have an infestation
An infestation of mice is often rapid due to they achieve sexual maturity quickly. Saying that, those looking to avoid an infestation need to ensure that all waste is managed the right way and that any storage areas for foods are kept secure. It can also be a good idea to ensure that all repairs around the home or business are fixed as soon as possible.
Detecting an infestation
Detecting what and where your pest coming is from is key to any pest prevention.
If you are coming downstairs every morning to a fresh batch of droppings in the kitchen but have no idea where they come from, it could be a long while before you get rid of them. Identification is important, what to look for and to react quickly will greatly benefit you in the long term.
Droppings are a very good indication that you have an infestation. Mice droppings are rice like in shape and size and black in colour.
External entry points can be sealed with a wire mesh
Smear marks is another good indication, look around the hole or gap for oily smear marks around it, these are made from under the underbelly of the mouse as it goes in and out of the entry point.