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 →Our approach is a proper programme rather than a single visit: we work out where the mice are coming from, treat carefully, and keep checking until the activity has stopped.
Why older town buildings suit mice
In the centre of Totnes many buildings have been altered and extended over time, which leaves hidden routes behind panelling, under floors and along pipework. A mouse needs only a very small opening, so a gap around a pipe or a worn air brick can be all it takes. Once inside a Totnes building, they follow warm walls and settle near food.
Shops and cafes have an extra pull for them, because stock rooms, cardboard and crumbs under counters give a steady supply. Houses are no different when food is left in open packets. We look at all of this on the first visit and explain plainly what we think is going on.
How the treatment programme works
After the inspection in Totnes we agree a plan with you. Traps and bait are placed where they will work and where children, pets and other animals cannot reach them. We do not just leave them and walk away. We come back to check them, clear what has been caught and adjust the plan if mice are using a different route.
That checking over several visits matters, because mice are cautious and a first set of traps does not always tell the full story. We keep going until there is no fresh sign, then talk through what we found. If the problem is in a loft, a wall cavity or a kitchen unit, we tell you where we are working.
Keeping mice out of Totnes properties afterwards
Once the mice are gone, the gaps that let them in need dealing with or they will be back. We point out the entry points we found and advise on proofing, from small holes around pipes to doors that do not sit tight. We also suggest simple habits, such as storing dry food in hard containers. We cover TQ9 and also work in Longcombe and Dartmouth.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the noise in my Totnes house is mice?
Light, quick scratching at night, often in walls, ceilings or lofts, is typical of mice. Small dark droppings, gnawed packaging and a stale smell help confirm it. If you are not sure, we can come and look, identify what is there and tell you what we would do.
Are mice common in older buildings in the town centre?
They are a regular problem in older properties anywhere, because there are more gaps and hidden voids to use. That is not a sign of a dirty home. It is mostly about how the building is put together and where food is kept.
How many visits will mice control in Totnes take?
It depends on how many mice there are and how easily they can reach the property. Usually we visit more than once so we can check traps and bait, see whether activity is falling and make sure the entry points have been found. We will explain the plan.