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 →We take care with older properties and explain what we are doing as we go.
Why cottages need a careful approach
Older cottages in Cockington are charming, but they can be full of hidden routes: gaps beneath floors, voids behind plaster, uneven stonework and eaves that do not quite meet the walls. A mouse can use all of these. Thatched roofs bring their own concerns, since nesting material is plentiful and the roof space may be hard to inspect.
We take care not to disturb the fabric of an old building. The inspection looks for droppings, gnaw marks and rub marks and picks out the most likely routes. We then tell you what we see and what we recommend.
Treatment next to green space
With parkland and open green space close to Cockington, there is a constant supply of mice outside. That means treatment is not just about removing the ones already inside, but about stopping new ones getting in. Traps and carefully placed bait deal with the current problem while we look at the building for entry points.
We return several times to check the traps and see whether activity is falling. Pets and children are kept in mind throughout, with equipment placed in protected positions or in spaces they cannot reach. We explain what we are doing and where.
Proofing an older Cockington property
Proofing an older home takes a bit of thought in Cockington. We recommend sensible fixes such as filling gaps around pipes, repairing damaged air bricks and keeping vegetation away from walls, without harming the character of the building. Food should be in hard containers. Our work covers TQ2 and we also help in Torquay and Paignton nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can you treat mice in a thatched cottage?
Yes. We use traps and bait carefully, with attention to where equipment is placed. Thatch and old roof spaces can be difficult to inspect, so we will talk through what can be checked and what should be left alone.
Why do I get mice when I live next to parkland?
Open green space supports a lot of wildlife, including mice. When it turns colder, some look for shelter and food in nearby homes. Gaps around doors, pipes and eaves are the usual way in.
Will you damage my old walls looking for entry points?
No. We look at the outside and inside of the property, check known weak spots and recommend repairs. Any sealing is done sensibly, and you decide what is carried out and by whom.