When the cold arrives, field mice start looking for ways into homes. Summer cottages that are unoccupied during the winter can be particularly vulnerable.
In a cottage that is not occupied during the winter, the mice have free rein. They urinate, make a mess, gnaw on cables, and can destroy insulation, says Thomas Persson Vinnersten, biologist and pest expert at Anticimex.
Over the past three years, fewer homeowners have had problems with mice, according to Anticimex's figures.
There has been a downward trend for several years. That's how it looks in the animal kingdom, it goes in inexplicable cycles, says Thomas Persson Vinnersten.
Expecting more mouse infestations
But this year, the number of mouse infestations is on the rise. In August and September, the company has made 74 percent more calls to homeowners compared to last year.
If it's going to be a real mouse year this year, we don't know yet, but there are signs of it, says Thomas Persson Vinnersten.
He emphasizes that mice are not dangerous and that you don't need to be afraid of them. It's not like they'll destroy an entire house.
But it can be unpleasant enough when you open up your summer cottage in the spring and find that masses of mice have been running around, says he.
Sealing gaps
To avoid this, now is the time to review your "outer defense". That is, take a walk around the house and see if there are any cracks or gaps that mice can get in through, and seal them.
If they do manage to get in, it's important that there's nothing for them to eat.
Empty the pantry and keep food in resealable packaging. It's about understanding what they do when they get in. Then they're looking for food, says he.
Seal all gaps or cracks. Remember that mice can get in through a hole of 6 millimeters.
Make sure there's no clutter near the facade, such as firewood or garden furniture, since mice like to hide in it.
Remove any climbing plants on the facade that allow mice to climb up to the attic. Mice are good climbers.
If mice still manage to get in, have nothing that they can eat. Empty the pantry if it's a summer cottage. Mice can also eat candles and solid soap.
If you get mice in your permanent residence, it's harder to keep it clinically clean, then it's about adapting to the situation.
Mice can be unpleasant and make a mess, but they're not dangerous.
Source: Anticimex.
