How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home This Winter

As the weather turns cold, mice look for warm places to shelter — often inside homes. Prevention is much easier than dealing with an infestation.

Signs of mice

• Small dark droppings in cupboards or along walls
• Gnawed food packaging
• Scratching sounds at night in walls or ceilings
• Shredded paper or fabric used for nests

Seal entry points

Mice can squeeze through very small gaps. Check around:

• Pipes and cables entering the house
• Gaps under doors
• Vents and air bricks
• Cracks in walls and foundations

Fill small gaps with wire wool and sealant, and fit brush strips under doors.

Tidy up

• Keep bins closed with tight-fitting lids.
• Reduce clutter in garages, lofts and cupboards.
• Trim plants and branches touching the house.

If mice get in

Humane live-catch traps let you release mice far from home. For larger problems, contact a professional pest control service. Wear gloves when cleaning droppings and disinfect the area.