How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House (UK)

Mice are one of the most common household pests in the UK. Once they get inside, they multiply fast, chew through wiring and packaging, and spread bacteria across worktops and food storage areas.

If you’ve spotted droppings, scratching behind walls, or a quick flash of fur in the corner of your eye, this guide will show you how to identify, remove, and prevent mice safely and effectively — using legal, proven methods.

Signs You Have Mice (Not Rats)

Before you start treatment, it’s important to confirm what you’re dealing with. Mice and rats require different control methods.

Common signs of mice include:

• Small droppings about 3–6 mm long, resembling dark grains of rice
• Scratching or rustling noises at night, particularly in lofts or wall cavities
• A faint ammonia-like odour
• Smear marks (dark, greasy lines) along skirting boards or behind appliances
• Nibbled food packaging and shredded paper or insulation used for nesting

If droppings are larger (10–15 mm), you may have rats instead — read our rat identification guide.

Why Mice Enter Homes in the UK

Mice don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re usually drawn inside by three things: warmth, food, and shelter.

• Cold weather drives mice indoors, especially autumn to spring.
• Crumbs, pet food, or unsealed bins attract them to kitchens.
• Gaps as small as 6 mm (around the width of a pencil) are enough for them to squeeze through.

You’ll often find entry points around air bricks, broken vents, gaps under doors, or holes where pipes enter the property.

What Actually Works: Proven Methods for Mouse Removal

The key to getting rid of mice is combining trapping with proofing and sanitation. Here’s what actually works.

Snap Traps (Fast and Effective)

Snap traps remain the most reliable way to catch mice quickly.

How to use them effectively:

1. Place 2–3 traps per affected room, near walls where mice travel.
2. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate spread, or sunflower seeds — not cheese.
3. Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid leaving human scent.
4. Check traps daily, and dispose of any caught mice safely (see disposal section below).
5. Continue trapping for at least 7 days after signs stop to ensure full clearance.

which includes premium bait boxes and 3 different baits to entice your problem.

Tamper-Resistant Bait Stations (Consumer-Legal Rodenticides)

Rodenticides (mouse poison) can be effective but must be used carefully and within UK law. Many stronger baits are restricted to professionals under the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme.

If you use bait:

• Always choose consumer-approved products clearly labelled for domestic use.
• Use tamper-resistant stations — these lock the bait inside, protecting children and pets.
• Never place loose bait directly on floors or in cupboards.
• Remove all bait once activity has ceased to avoid accidental poisoning.

For moderate infestations, consider the Mice Medium Kit — complete with secure bait stations and guidance for safe use.

When to Call a Professional

If you continue to see droppings or hear scratching after a week of trapping, the infestation may be structural — often involving lofts, wall cavities, or entry via drains. In these cases, contact a licensed pest controller through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

They can identify hidden nesting areas and use professional-only baits where legal.

What Doesn’t Work (and What to Avoid)

Glue Traps

Glue boards are now illegal for public use in England without a professional licence under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022. Avoid buying or using them. Fines and penalties apply for unlicensed use.

Peppermint Oil and DIY Sprays

While peppermint oil smells strong, there’sno scientific evidence that it drives mice out of properties. It may mask odours temporarily but won’t solve an infestation.

Instead, focus your efforts on proper trapping, proofing, and cleaning — the combination that actually delivers results.

Proofing Your Home Against Mice

Once you’ve reduced activity, the next step is preventing re-entry. Proofing is where many DIY efforts fall short.

Inspect and seal these key areas:

• Around pipes under sinks and behind appliances
• Air bricks and vents (fit fine steel mesh)
• Gaps under external doors (fit brush strips)
• Floorboard edges, loft hatches, and cavity wall gaps
• External wall cracks or gaps around cables

Use steel wool, copper mesh, or mouse-proof sealant — never expanding foam alone, as mice can chew through it.

Please see our ur Mouse Proofing Checklist for a full inspection plan.

Safety Around Children and Pets

If you have pets or small children in the house, always follow these rules:

• Only use lockable bait stations.
• Keep traps in enclosed areas, behind kickboards, or under appliances.
• Store bait and disinfectant products out of reach.
• If a pet is suspected to have eaten rodenticide, call your vet immediately and bring the product label.

After cleaning affected areas, use a disinfectant to remove traces of urine or droppings. Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly.

How to Dispose of a Dead Mouse Safely

When a mouse is caught, dispose of it promptly to prevent odours or secondary infestations (e.g. flies).

Safe disposal steps:

1. Put on disposable gloves.
2. Place the mouse and trap into a plastic bag without touching directly.
3. Seal that bag inside another (double-bagged).
4. Dispose of it with your household waste.
5. Clean and disinfect the trap area.

Never flush or bury carcasses. If multiple dead mice are found or odours persist, contact your local council’s pest service.

Recommended Mouse Control Kits

First-time infestations or light activity, 3 premium bait boxes and 3 different baits.

FAQ: Mouse Control in the UK

Are glue traps legal in the UK? No. In England, it’s illegal for the general public to use glue traps without a professional licence (Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022).

How long does it take to get rid of mice? With effective traps and proofing, most infestations are cleared within 7–14 days.

What’s the fastest way to kill mice humanely? High-quality snap traps deliver instant results and are considered the most humane DIY method.

Do mice carry disease? Yes — they can transmit salmonella, listeria, and hantavirus through droppings and urine. Always disinfect affected areas.

Why do mice keep coming back? Usually because entry points remain unsealed or there’s a consistent food source. Proofing and sanitation are as important as trapping.

Can I use poison outside? Only with consumer-approved baits in tamper-proof stations. Professional-strength outdoor baits require certification under UK stewardship rules

Key Takeaway: Getting rid of mice requires a combination of strategy and persistence — traps, proofing, cleaning, and a safety-first mindset. Avoid shortcuts or illegal products, and invest in proven solutions designed for UK homes.

Start resolving your mouse problem today — explore our for fast, safe, and effective results.