UK households must ‘check behind oven and fridge’ before winter | UK | News
UK households are being told they need to check the backs of essential kitchen appliances before winter arrives.
This is because this time of year is when mice and other rodents begin to target homes, causing damage and potentially spreading disease as well.
Mice may be small and cute, but if left uncontrolled they can cause serious problems.
In addition to leaving nasty droppings in food preparation areas like the kitchen, mice can chew through electrical wiring and even chew through holes in cabinets.
If they chew on a wire, it can leave wires in high-voltage items such as furnaces dangerously exposed, creating a possible future electrocution hazard and possibly starting fires.
That’s why homeowners are being told to check behind appliances like ovens, refrigerators and cabinets for signs of mouse or mouse damage.
John Stewart, technical expert from sustainable pest prevention expert Pelsis Englandshared expert advice on how to prevent rodent infestations this winter.
He said: “Mice are among the most problematic pests, especially during the winter months when they move indoors in search of a safe environment.
“Once they find a suitable area with access to food and water, they can quickly establish themselves, making it necessary to address any potential problems as quickly as possible.”
To keep your home mouse-free, John says: “Cut off food sources. During the winter months, mice take shelter indoors, taking advantage of easily accessible food sources. To prevent an infestation, it’s crucial to secure all food products.”
“Keep food in closed containers and keep them in high cabinets out of reach of mice.
“It is also important to ensure that garbage bags are placed in secure bins to prevent mice from accessing other food sources.
“Check for signs of nesting. Recognizing the early signs of a mouse infestation can help prevent it from escalating. Look for droppings, gnaw marks and shredded materials that may indicate nesting activity.”
“Common hiding spots for mice include attics, under kitchen units and behind appliances.
“Mice are particularly skilled at squeezing into small spaces, so it is crucial to inspect areas such as kitchen kickboards and electrical cabinets where rodents often nest and chew on wiring.
“Use traps and deterrents. If you suspect mice have already infiltrated your home, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
“Homeowners have a variety of options for dealing with rodents, whether they choose humane live capture traps or traditional traps for quicker results.”
Humane solutions such as indoor repellents can deter rodents without harming them. “These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to rodents but inaudible to humans,” John adds.
