Advice
Signs of Mice in the House: What to Look For
Mice are small, secretive and mostly active at night, so the first clues are usually droppings, gnaw marks and faint sounds rather than a sighting.
Read the guide →Dealing with mice properly is a programme, not a single visit. We find where they are getting in, put traps or baiting in place where it is safe to do so, then check progress over several visits. You will know the price before we begin, and we explain the plan in plain terms.
Signs that you have mice
Droppings are the most common sign, usually small and dark and found along skirting boards, in cupboards and near food. You may also hear scratching or scuttling in walls and lofts at night. Other clues include gnawed packaging, smears along walls, shredded nesting material and a stale smell that lingers in one part of the house. Noting where you find them helps us decide where to look first.
Mice are mostly active in the dark, so many people have a problem for weeks before they see one. If you find damaged food packets or hear noises from above the ceiling, it is wise to act early. A small problem is much simpler to resolve than one that has had time to build up. Take photographs of anything you find, and tell us roughly when you first noticed it.
Why mice matter
Mice contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, and they can spread germs as they move around. They also gnaw through packaging, insulation and sometimes cables, which can cause damage that is expensive to repair. In a business, any sign of mice can put food safety and your reputation at risk. These risks are the reason we recommend dealing with mice promptly rather than waiting to see if they leave.
Devon has plenty of older housing with small gaps around pipes, airbricks and floorboards, as well as farmland and moor edges where mice live outdoors. In autumn, cooler weather encourages them to move inside. Holiday lets and second homes that stand empty for part of the year can also give them a quiet place to settle. Each of these situations can be dealt with, and we tailor the plan to the type of property.
The treatment programme
We begin with an inspection to work out how the mice are entering and where they are active. We then set traps and use baiting where it is safe, taking care around children, pets and wildlife. Because mice move around and new ones can arrive, we return to check the traps over several visits, adjusting the approach as we go. If activity stops and the traps stay clear, we can close the job with confidence.
Alongside treatment, we give practical advice on food storage, tidiness and blocking gaps so that mice do not simply come back. We work with householders, landlords, holiday let owners and businesses. The price is agreed with you before we begin, and we tell you honestly how many visits we expect the programme to need.
Frequently asked questions
How many visits will mice control take?
Most cases need more than one visit, because we have to check the traps and see whether activity has stopped. After the inspection we explain how many visits we expect and why. If the situation changes, we tell you before anything extra is done, and the price is always agreed first.
How do mice get into a house?
They can use gaps of only a few millimetres around pipes, airbricks, doors and floorboards. Older properties often have more of these. Finding the entry points is a key part of the inspection, and we advise on sealing them so the problem is less likely to return.
Is mice treatment safe for children and pets?
We place traps and any bait with care, using secured stations or hidden spots where children and pets cannot reach them. We explain what has been put down and where, and what to do if you have any concerns. Tell us about your household when you book.
What can I do to help while treatment is under way?
Keep food in sealed containers, clear up crumbs promptly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Reduce clutter in lofts, cupboards and garages where mice can nest. Do not move traps that we have placed, and let us know if you see activity in a new area.