sg31 wrote:If you are in a detached property check the outside for any mortar joints that have perished and have small holes in them.
Check beneath door cills, builders are very lax about filling beneath them, same goes for windows.
If there are plants such as ivy or wisteria remove them from the walls, ok I know they can look nice but rats and mice climb them.
Take a close look at any pipework that goes through wall, very often they aren't sealed, pay particular attention to any bits under the pipe that isn't easily visible. have a really good look and fill any holes.
Airbricks can be like a front door for mice, buy some of these
http://www.mousemesh.co.uk/
there are various makes so take your pick.
If you have an attached garage mice can get under the door easily. get a length of 50x50 timber and glue it directly behind the door so it is almost touching when the door is closed. Also have a look at where the sides of the door rest, there should be a 'rubber' strip as a seal, make sure it's in good condition.
That should be a good start to stopping them entering. It's all about searching out those tiny little holes and filling them.
Once you stop them coming in traps and poison will kill any inside. Most cats are useless. They will catch mice but they don't kill all of them so the mice continue to breed.
All good advice, thanks. Unfortunately we're in a small 1 bed flat 30 feet from the ground so some of that does not apply.
Guess we should ask others in the block if they are having the same problem and also think about contacting the council? Happy to keep catching and releasing at the moment but would rather the problem is dealt with at source.
HYD