There are known to be over a hundred different types of mice living in the UK, the majority of these can pose a huge threat to both businesses, and homes alike and sadly many homeowners and managers suffer as a result of mice activity. From droppings to dead mice and an unpleasant odour, an infestation can overcome a home and cause serious harm to both your belongings and your health. In this blog post we will be taking a look at just three types of mice commonly found in the UK.
Field Mouse
While this type of mouse very rarely enters an already inhabited building or home, during the winter months they make a habit of making their beds in sheds and barns. This may not cause too much harm for homeowners, but for farmers this can wreak havoc on their profession. The field mouse is easily identifiable with a sandy/brown fur covering its back, head and has a faint streak of yellow across its chest.
Typically speaking, these mice will only live for up to three months though they may survive for up to 20 months in the wild. Their breeding seasons range from March/April time to October/November.
These mice tend to feed on the seeds of oak, ash and sycamores though they also eat insects and smaller snails as well as apples. What makes these mice a nuisance to farmers is that they also tend to feed on recently planted legume seeds.
House Mouse
Unlike the field mouse, the house mouse can and will strike at any given moment as they are known to be active all year round and not just in the winter. They can be identified by their large ears and eyes and can grow up to 9.5cm in length, not including the tail.
Typically speaking they will produce up to 16 young per each litter and will breed up to eight times every year. While they prefer to burrow, they can also climb and like to feed on cereals making them a common, unwanted visitor in the kitchen. They consume roughly 3g of food per day and are known to be able to survive without water if necessary.
Yellow Necked Field Mouse
This final type of mouse is a particular risk in rural areas around the country and has been known to become a fire risk in homes, as they have a tendency to chew through wiring. Breeding usually commences in March and ends in October; though these mice don’t usually survive for longer than a year. They have large ears and brown fur with a recognisable streak of yellow fur located around the neck.
They pose such a risk as they can spoil food, chew through wiring and are far more likely to make their nests in occupied buildings than the wood mouse. They can also be found in hedges, rural gardens and abandoned buildings.
These are just three types of mice to be on the look-out for this summer. If you suspect that you have a mouse infestation in your home or garden and would like a professional opinion, please get in touch with Empire Pest Control today. We operate in and around London and can deal with nests and swarms as well as other animals and insects including foxes, rats, moths, wasps and bed bugs. For more information, contact us on 0800 633 5220 or for mobiles please call 0203 633 2143.
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