House mice are found in and around human structures as they rely on warmth and shelter for nesting sites, and our readily available food sources. These mice are known as “commensal rodents”, which refers to them living with or in close proximity to humans.Ĭommensalism is defined as a long-term interaction in which members of one species (ie mice) gain benefits, while those of the other species (ie humans) neither benefit or are harmed.įield mice are much more suited to nesting outdoors, but will possibly move indoors once the weather gets colder. If you come into contact with a mouse, chances are it’s a house mouse. In regards to pest management, there are two common types of mouse in the UK to be aware of:įield mouse or wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). If clients and customers spot evidence of rodent infestation in the premises you manage, they are unlikely to want to do business with you.Īnd several widely shared social media posts can help spread a negative image. If not complied with, these can lead to fines or even a stint in jail and a criminal record.Īnd if a company or organisation has a highly publicised mouse problem, then it will heavily impact its reputation. Owners of food businesses also have obligations to keep premises pest free under the Food Safety Act 1990.Įnvironmental Health Officers or General Enforcement Officers can issue enforcement notices to business owners who don’t have adequate pest management procedures in place. Property and land owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent free, or, if rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report infestations to the local authority. These nibbling nuisances can also cause a lot of property damage, due to their compulsive need to gnaw to maintain their teeth at a constant length.Įlectric cables, water and gas pipes, packaging and woodwork may all be seriously damaged by mice - many instances of electrical fires and floods have been attributed to them. This puts anyone with an infestation at risk of food poisoning.Īs they scurry around, they carry dirt and bacteria with them, transferring it to your counter tops, cabinets, pantry and anywhere else they travel. Mice have a need to mark their territory with their urine and due to their sporadic eating habits, build nests near food sources. Mice have been known to spread nasty diseases - such as Salmonella and Listeria - to humans through their urine, droppings and bedding. ![]() Globally there are hundreds of types of mouse, including varieties such as the deer mouse (Peromyscus), house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), wood/field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), Edible dormouse (Glis glis), spiny mouse (Acomys) and even the striped zebra mouse (Lemniscomys).Īlthough mice are often considered to be cute by some people, they are a public health pest and can cause serious harm. Although commonly identified as pests, some are bred and kept as pets. Mice are small mammals of the order Rodentia. Mice are a part of British wildlife - but when they take up residence with you, they can be a cause for concern.Īctive all year round, mice are one of the most common pest species in the UK. Can you hear the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps behind the skirting? Does Tom keep bringing Jerry in from the garden?
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