The Flatwarming You Didn't Ask For: Evicting Unwanted Rodent Roomies in Your London Pad
So, you've unpacked the boxes, hung your Primark fairy lights, and are ready to christen your new London flat with a cuppa. But wait, a shadow darts across the floor – and it's definitely not a rogue dust bunny. It seems you've inherited some furry, uninvited guests – mice! Don't worry, these little chaps are more likely to be looking for leftover Piri Piri than plotting world domination (although, who knows what they get up to at night). Here's your survival guide to reclaiming your flat and showing those mice the door (or rather, the tiny hole in the skirting board they snuck in through).
Step 1: Operation Sherlock
First things first, a bit of detective work is needed. Grab your magnifying glass (or failing that, your phone torch) and see if you can find any mousey calling cards – droppings, chewed-up wires (those rascals!), or even tiny footprints that look suspiciously like miniature wellies. Keep an eye out for nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric – these little architects are surprisingly crafty. This intel will help you identify the enemy's main highways and hideouts.
Step 2: Fort Knox Flat
Now that you know where the enemy is coming and going, it's time to seal those pesky entry points. Think of your flat like Fort Knox, but with less gold and more mugs of tea. Caulk up any cracks or holes you find, especially around pipes and skirting boards. Don't forget the gaps around the windows and doors! You can use steel wool to plug up any tiny crevices – mice can squeeze through spaces thinner than a dime (and let's face it, your patience).
Step 3: The Great British Bake Off (For Mice, Not You)
Alright, enough detective work and DIY. Time to get down to the real business – eviction notices! Here comes the fun part (well, maybe not for the mice). There are two main options:
- Traps: The classic snap trap – a tried and tested method, but be warned, it can be a bit gruesome. For a more humane approach, try a catch-and-release trap, but be prepared for a midnight adventure relocating your tiny prisoner to a more rural postcode.
- **Poison (Use with caution!): This one requires a bit more planning, as you don't want to accidentally poison your neighbour's prize-winning Persian (or worse, your own pet). Use bait stations to keep the poison out of reach of curious children and Fido.
Pro Tip: For bait, peanut butter is a winner (who can resist it?). Just be sure to place the traps strategically – along walls where you've seen signs of mice activity.
Step 4: Victory Lap (Hopefully)
After a week or two of vigilance, you should see a significant decrease in your flat's rodent population. Keep checking the traps and bait stations and dispose of any...unpleasant surprises...humanely (or not, we won't judge).
Step 5: Keeping Your Flat Mouse-Free Forever
Just because you've won this battle, doesn't mean the war is over. Here are some ways to keep those pesky mice at bay for good:
- Keep your flat clean and tidy. Mice love a good crumb jamboree.
- Store food in sealed containers. Don't give them an all-you-can-eat buffet!
- Take out the trash regularly. A overflowing bin is a five-star hotel for a mouse.
Bonus tip: Leave a few strategically placed dryer sheets around your flat. The smell is said to deter mice (although, it might also deter your dates).
How-To FAQ:
- How to dispose of a dead mouse? Wrap it in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the outside bin.
- How to catch a mouse alive? Use a catch-and-release trap and release it somewhere far away from your flat (like a park, not your neighbour's garden!).
- How to keep mice out of my walls? Seal up any cracks or holes you find, especially around pipes and wires.
- How to know if I have mice? Look for droppings, chewed-up wires, or tiny footprints.
- Should I call a pest control company? If the infestation is bad or you're squeamish about traps, then yes, a professional is the way to go
