What Is That Noise in Your Attic
23 November, 2011
We’ve all been enjoying an unseasonably warm winter so far; however, with a cold spell due in December Rentokil warn that a serious spike in rodent activity, particularly mice infestations is just around the corner.
Scurrying and scraping noises from the attic or garage not only cause distress and anxiety but are also a strong indication that rodents have taken up residence. As most of us visit the attic or garage in December to retrieve last year’s Christmas decorations, it is essential that we ensure they are safe and pest free.
Attics are the perfect environment for mice and they can do significant damage to items stored in your attic, even creating a fire hazard if electric cabling is gnawed.
Every year Rentokil typically experience a peak in call outs in October and November. This years’ mouse population has experienced some favourable conditions; food has been plentiful and the dry, mild summer has likely contributed to increased mice numbers throughout 2011.
Rodent related call outs are up by 18% for 2011 compared to 2010. This year’s more temperate climes have probably delayed the usual ‘mass’ migration inside. So when the cold snap arrives Rentokil predict that there will be a second spike in numbers of call outs to deal with infestations.
Mice can be dangerous to our health, having been identified as a potential asthma trigger in children and they will also contaminate food and other materials through the droppings they leave behind, spreading bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Dr. Colm Moore, Technical Manager, Rentokil Initial Ltd, offers advice on keeping mice out of your home: “Mice like warmth, quiet, and a source of food. The first line of defence is to seal your home, as any holes that are larger than 6 mm may allow mice to gain access; use steel wool, cement, appropriate meshes for vents, bristle strips or mouse proofing paste.
Avoid using expanding foam as a long term solution because the mice will eventually gnaw through. Avoid attracting mice with food, where possible store food in glass or metal containers and regularly clean under stoves, refrigerators and cupboards. Keep clutter to a minimum, particularly to reduce the options for nesting sites and remember that dirty, messy areas can attract mice.”
Signs you already have mice in your attic or garage:
- Mouse Droppings – mice leave small, dark droppings particularly along walls.
- Smear marks - on floors or skirting board. Mice tend to run alongside walls as they don’t have great eyesight. In extreme infestations you might also notice small urine pillars. However, you will probably smell them before you see them.
- Distinctive smell – mice leave an ammonia-like smell.
- Damage – gnawing on wood, plastic, cables and other hard materials.
- Scratching noises - overhead as mice scurry around
Rentokil offers a FREE of charge, no obligation, attic call-out survey.
Rentokil Pest Control technicians are experienced professionals with a thorough understanding of mice habits and use this knowledge to get rid of mice in the home effectively.
Call Rentokil Pest Control on 1890 666 444 for more advice on mice or to arrange a visit by a pest control technician.
(Ends)
Issued by Heneghan PR on behalf of Rentokil Ireland.
For further information, please contact:
Heneghan PR
Rachel Watchorn / Jo-Ann Enright
Tel: 01 6607395
Email: Rachel@hpr.ie / jo-ann@hpr.ie
Rentokil
Around the world, Rentokil is the leading provider of pest control and specialist hygiene services. The company protects homes and commercial premises from the damage, health risks and nuisance that pests cause. While flies, insects and rodents might be the first that come to mind, Rentokil technicians also provide specialist treatment against woodworm. Whatever the pest, Rentokil can deal with it.