Mice usually move in when the weather turns cold and food is easy to find. Because they are active at night and very good at hiding, most people notice the signs before they ever see a mouse.
Common signs to look for
- Droppings: small, dark and about the size of a grain of rice, often in cupboards, behind appliances or along walls.
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, skirting boards, cables or the corners of doors.
- Scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings or under floors, especially at night.
- Nests made from shredded paper, fabric or insulation in quiet, hidden spots.
- Greasy smudges along walls and pipes where mice run the same route again and again.
- A musty smell in cupboards or enclosed spaces.
What to do straight away
- Store dry food such as cereal, rice and pet food in sealed glass or hard plastic containers.
- Clean up crumbs and spills, and do not leave pet bowls out overnight.
- Wear gloves when you clean up droppings, and wipe the area with a household disinfectant rather than sweeping or vacuuming them dry.
- Look for gaps around pipes, vents and doors. A mouse can squeeze through a very small hole.
When to call a professional
If you keep finding fresh droppings, hear noises in several rooms, or the signs come back after a few weeks, it is time for an inspection. A technician can find where the mice are getting in, recommend a treatment that suits your home, and show you which gaps to seal so they stay out.