Finding typical signs of mice, such as droppings, could indicate an active infestation in your home or business.
• Droppings – 50/80 droppings a night, small and dark (approx. 3 – 8 mm in length), scattered randomly. Look for droppings particularly along walls, in cupboards or under sinks.
• Grease marks (smudges or smears) – this is caused by mice fur constantly brushing against walls, floors and skirting on regular routes. You may find dark smears around holes or around corners.
• Urine pillars – in established or heavy infestations, body grease, combined with dirt and urine, builds up into small mounds, up to 4cm high and 1cm wide.
• Scratching noises – people often report hearing unusual scratching noises at night when mice are most active. Listen for noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements and lofts.
• Nests – mice use easy to shred materials, such as newspaper and fabrics, together with other soft materials to line their nest. Check the roof space, suspended ceilings, cavity walls, under floorboards and behind fridges, under stoves and in airing cupboards and wardrobes. Nests will often contain young mice.
• Tracks (footprints) – dusty environments such as rarely frequented store rooms can show up rodent tracks and tail marks. To check for activity, sprinkle flour or talcum powder and check the next day for fresh tracks.
• Live or dead mice – spotting a mouse during the daytime can be an indication of a heavy infestation.
• Strong smell – mice urinate frequently and their wee has a strong ammonia-like smell. The smell may be very strong near the main site of activity or in enclosed spaces. This smell can linger for a long time (even after an infestation has been removed). Mice like to live in clusters and off the ground.