Mice are one of the most common pests found in domestic premises. They are part of the Commensal rodent group, which means that they are well adapted to living in harmony with man in his own environment. They spread various diseases such as salmonella and dysentery and can cause structural damage to premises by the constant gnawing on wood, cables pipes and household items. Mice often destroy much more than they can consume because of their wasteful habits of discarding partially eaten food and because of contamination by their faeces, urine and hairs. Mice like to eat nibbles and prefer cereals, consuming only 3-4 grams per day. Unlike rats, mice can survive with very little water and often obtain sufficient water in food. Due to their feeding habits mice are difficult to control.
Mice sometimes burrow. They live indoors and outdoors but are almost unknown in sewers. They nest generally within stored materials, under floorboards, in lofts and furniture etc, and they are excellent climbers.
They are erratic in habit and inquisitive towards new objects, (range 1.5-5m.) They have an excellent sense of hearing but poor sight. They are colour blind and can only make out shapes.
The Life expectancy of mice is around 1 year during which time a female may breed up to six times, averaging six per litter. Breeding occurs throughout the year but especially in the spring and autumn.