Pest Control in London & Essex

Safeguarding Homes and Businesses from Pests

For a quote on our services please call:
03300 584446 or 07401 699 749

Or for service enquiries email us at:
info@steelguardenvironmental.co.uk

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Facts of Mice Lives

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Reproductive Behaviour

Mice (Mus Domesticus) are more efficient at breeding than rabbits and are capable of birthing a large scale infestation from a single pair given that the conditions suited for rapid growth are good (which are subject to a number of factors). This means that there would be no seasonal intervals and as soon as a female has given birth she can be ready to conceive immediately though those rearing factors regarding conditions will be taken into account by female mice. If conditions are less favourable, then breeding may take place in the summer and autumn months.
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House mice are capable of giving birth approximately every 21 days meaning that populations may rapidly grow out of control and may only stop or decrease if the availability of resources is out weighed by the population which depends on the premises and its purpose, though resources may provide sustainability giving their harbourage a continual purpose. Other than that, a plan of implemented pest control management between the occupants and a pest controller may need to come into play ultimately altering their reproductive pattern if a permanent resolution isn't possible.
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Identifying a Infestation
There are a number of ways the presence of mice or an infestation can be identified within a premises:
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Physical Sightings

The easiest way of determining an infestation is by multiple or continuous Sightings of Mice throughout a premises or working environment. A thorough check should be carried out by if not yourself, than a specialist if excessive sightings have been made.

Faeces Droppings

Mice consistently defecate whilst they manoeuvre on the surfaces of a premise, and this will usually look like Small Black Pellets (the size of rice grains) in rooms on any surface. They also urinate as they manoeuvre though urine stains can be mistaken for water marks.

Damaged surroundings

Internally, this may be in the form of Circular Holes in carpets, Gnaw Marks on plaster boards or wood and Strewn Plastic or Fabric similar to confetti. Damage to foodstuffs and their packings may also be present which resemble circular holes being the trade mark of mice.

Smell of Presence

If an infestation is of a certain severity, then the Smell of their Fur and Urine may become apparent and overwhelming. In a worst case scenario the Smell of a Dead Mouse or Mice may also be present to which in those circumstances you most certainly know that rodents have invaded your premises.
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Identifying Mice

Identifying an Adult Common House Mouse is not to difficult as they have a physical appearance of four legs, two sets of incisor teeth (top and bottom of mouth) and either grey or brown fur with a slightly light underbelly. They are approximately 70 - 90mm in length and are found in a variety of premises that have resources to offer. An infantile mouse is roughly 2/3rds the size of a pinky finger and has all the hereditary traits of an adult.
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There are other species of mice which exist and may easily be mistaken for a house mouse. They will vary in colour and size but will have a similar characteristics. These can be found listed below:
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  • Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) - reside in urban gardens, moorlands, deciduous woodland, grassland, mixed woodland and on occasions may enter a premises to hibernate over the winter periods other seek resources. They are approximately 80 - 100mm in length and have a reddish tinge to their fur with a light grey underside.
  • Yellow Necked Field Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) - reside in urban gardens, coniferous woodland, deciduous woodland and mixed woodland. They are approximately 95 - 120mm in length and a complete band of yellow fur across the neck area with a white underside(a reasonably reliable distinction from the similar wood mouse).
  • Harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) - reside in long grass, cornfields, brambles, hedgerows and reed-beds. They are approximately 50 - 80mm in length and have a reddish-yellow coat with a white underside.
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