• Food safety – food products are a prime target for mice. Store food in plastic or metal air tight containers – this includes cat and dog food and bird seed; and ensure that nothing edible is left out to attract mice. Regularly clean under stoves, refrigerators and cupboards. Avoid leaving pet food outside.
• Doors – fit bristle (or brush) strips to the bottom of doors to prevent entry.
• Pipework – seal holes around existing or new pipes with coarse grade stainless steel wire wool and caulking (pliable sealant).
• Holes – these are often made in exterior walls for cables and pipes; check that old pipework holes are sealed too. Any holes that are larger than 5mm will allow mice to gain access because their jaws can fit into tight spaces like these and quickly chew larger openings that allow them to enter a building.
• Weepholes – cover these with fine galvanised wire mesh, especially if they are damaged.
• Eaves – fix damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps.
• Vegetation – trim tree branches back from the house and where possible avoid plants growing up the sides of your property. Vines, shrubs or over hanging branches can be used for mice to get onto the roof. Overgrown vegetation close to the walls will offer mice shelter and potential nesting sites.
• Lawns – Keep grass mown short to reduce shelter and seeds for food.