Mice and rats

Mice and rats

Mice are a part of British wildlife - but when they take up residence in your home, they can be a cause for concern. Here is advice from the BCPA about controlling mice.

Rats and mice can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through urine, faeces, bites or scratches, and could cause allergic reactions. You are advised to seek medical advice if you have been bitten or scratched, or if you think your health has been affected.

Here is advice from BCPA about controlling rats.

Householders can put steps in place to try and avoid a rat infestation.

1. Mind the gap 

Eliminate any gaps around pipes and under sheds, seal these up with wire wool embedded in quick-setting cement.

2. Tackle nesting

Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood or debris. Protect compost heaps with wire mesh.

3. Think about drains

Ensure that drain inspection covers are in a good state of repair and any disused pipes are sealed off.

4. Feed birds carefully

If you feed garden birds, do not do this to excess and use a bird table or feeder basket to catch any off cast seed. Taking in bird feed at dusk is a way to remove an easy food supply during normal rodent feeding time.

5. Take cover

Cover any household waste where rats can get access to it and keep dustbins clean and lids closed.