Have you got mice? 

 
We've had lots of reports of mice in homes around Love's Farm and Wintringham, and have gathered lots of data via social media to corroborate this.

It seems likely that the problem is field mice, which have been forced to leave their natural habitat in the fields to the east of Love's Farm, where developers have scraped the top surface for archaeological investigations ahead of the Monksfields development.

The pest control officer at Huntingdonshire District Council has provided the following advice:

If you've spotted a mouse, there's some information here which will help identify if it's a field mouse. If identified as field mice, then any rodenticide must not be used as this against BPCA guidelines so only traps are allowed. 

As the weather gets colder field mice that are currently surviving outside will look for warmer places to harbour and nest and try to move inside buildings and houses. Food is also scarce for them outside hence another reason why infestations are more noticeable especially this time of year.

Due to the design and lay out of most modern properties mice can easily access inside if the gap is more than 4mm.

The council's advice to residents is as follows:

• Cover household waste, close dustbin lids and cover compost bins where possible
• Store food in airtight containers and clear up any food spillages/debris straight away
• Install brush strip on exterior doors if the gap is more than 4mm ( width of a pencil)
• Fit mesh air vent/brick covers
• Any gaps around the outside of properties e.g pipes, windows, doors and walls of 4mm or more should be filled with wire wool then silicone/expanding foam over the top
• Remove any long standing items piled up in gardens
• If control is required then use traps inside where mice have been active but ensure the traps are placed away from children and pets.

Hunts District Council can offer a course of treatment or survey if required. Booking details can be found on the website.