If you’ve seen a mouse in your home this autumn, then you’ll know you have a problem. That being said, a household could also have autumn mice without actually seeing them. There are, however, a number of tell-tale signs that you can look out for in your home. There’s also a reason that mice may appear in the autumn. They are seeking warm shelter and a food source during the colder months of the year.
What evidence do mice leave of their presence?
Perhaps the most obvious sign is droppings – small black pellets. These are generally found along walls or under appliances and furniture. Having an autumn clean, pulling out furniture, cleaning neglected areas and sweeping under appliances are useful DIY mouse control activities you can try when looking out for evidence of autumn mice. This is true for other pests that might be lurking as well.
Mice also leave black smears on walls, doors or cables, which they use as their route. Mice tend to use the same routes over and over again, usually from their nest to their food sources. The smears come from their oily coats.
Another tell-tale sign of autumn mice is chewed food packaging. Plastic and paper wrappings do not put rodents off – they simply eat into them to get to the food. Mice are also content with many types of food. Pasta, rice, flour and biscuits are common favourites. Any morsel left on the floor can also make a meal.
Other signs you have autumn mice in your home
Mice don’t just go for food in your home. They also look for building materials. If you find paper, card, packaging pellets or other materials chewed up, then rodents may well be the culprits. A successful nest can be made entirely out of paper.
Scratching, scuttling and squeaking noises, especially coming from your walls, floors or ceilings, are further signs that you have mice in your house. They are more than happy to make your home into their home. It’s worth noting that while mice can appear in any residence, older buildings are more likely to have them than modern homes.
If you have a cat or dog, and you find them sniffing persistently along a skirting board, cupboard door or entrance way, this could also be a sign. A cupboard under the stairs is a common place you might find mice gaining access.
Keeping your house very clean and decluttered, and sealing up any holes to the outside, are good steps to prevent mice coming in. If the mice become a serious problem, our experienced mouse control experts in London can come and help. Simply give us a call or email, and we will answer all your queries.
