Mice in your property
Seeing mice in Edinburgh properties is extremely common. To some they are a nuisance, to others they can be terrifying. The truth is it is extremely difficult, almost impossible, to stop the occasional mouse making an appearance.
Mice pass through extremely tight spaces and can move easily between properties. This is particularly true in the old Edinburgh tenement buildings with their wall cavities and old wooden flooring.
Prevention is better than cure. Keeping your property free from sources of food will give mice (or other pests) no reason to stay and will encourage them to look for food elsewhere. The below steps should be followed at all times:
- Keep the floors and surfaces free from food and crumbs
- Store food in high cupboards
- Store opened food in plastic containers
- Empty bins regularly
There are a number of ways to get rid of mice if they decide to take up residence with you.
1. The natural option
Strong smells can drive mice away without causing them any harm. Cotton wool soaked in peppermint is a popular method.
2. Traps
There are a number of different traps available ranging from the snap trap we are all familiar with to more sophisticated electronic traps that stun the mouse.
Both the humane and non-humane traps are not for the faint-hearted as you will ultimately have to dispose of the mouse.
3. Bait & poison
Poison can be an effective method but should only be placed in sealed bait stations and used under controlled circumstances e.g. in safe locations away from pets and children.
Some see using poison as a controversial option as it works by dehydrating the mouse.