The nights are getting chillier, meaning there’s nothing more satisfying than cosying up on the sofa with a blanket while escaping the elements.
Unfortunately, mice are thinking the same thing, and as the temperature drops, they’ll be attempting to come indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter.
If you want to avoid getting the little pests in your cupboards this season, read on for our top tips on how to mouse-proof your home.
Keep your home clean
Mice are drawn into homes with the promise of food. A deep clean of your home will purge any leftover crumbs that may be attracting mice into your home in the first place. Applying peppermint oil to clean floors and surfaces will leave a fresh, natural scent that will repel rodents.
Keep food stored in airtight containers
If you have foods such as cereals or grains that are usually kept in bags, invest in some airtight containers so mice can’t scurry into your cupboards and sniff out your breakfast.
Try ultrasonic sounds
You can buy electronic plug-in units that emit an ultrasonic beeping sound that rodents hate but is inaudible to humans or cats and dogs. They are usually sold at home improvement shops, and many constantly change frequency to prevent vermin becoming resistant to the sound.
Lay down cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon has a strong spicy aroma that mice find unpleasant. Try bundling cinnamon sticks together and placing them in drawers and closets to create a natural, festive repellent.
Get a cat (or borrow one from a friend)
Cats are natural hunters, so having a feline friend indoors could help with scaring mice away from your home. It’s important to note however, that not every cat will be a natural born predator. Those that spend time outdoors are more likely to hunt to find their own food, whilst house cats that are used to being fed from the cupboard may be more lazy
Put your wheelie bin far away from your home
Mice can smell your leftover dinner in your wheelie bin, and will naturally migrate indoors if they can find a way in. If you keep your rubbish away from your house, they are less likely to take up residence in your home.
Put a bird box in your garden
It won’t be effective overnight, but building a shelter for birds in your garden can attract flying mouse eaters into your garden over the winter months. Try filling the bird house with nuts and seeds to lure predators into the box.
Block up your holes before the mice find a way in
Holes in your house are an open invitation for mice to come wandering in. Use spackle, caulk or wire wool to seal holes any holes in your house that are relatively small. If you have larger holes, you might need to patch your plaster or drywall. And remember, a mouse can fit under a space the size of a ballpoint pen - so be thorough with your sealing.
Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.But occasionally they can become infected, cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or spread serious illnesses such as Lyme diseaseand malaria.Bugs that bite or sting include wasps, hornets, bees, horseflies, ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, spiders and midges.
Symptoms of insect bites and stings
Insect bites and stings will usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin. This may be painful and in some cases can be very itchy.
The symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days, although sometimes they can last a little longer.
Some people have a mild allergic reaction and a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week.
Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction can occur, causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. This requires immediate medical treatment.
What to do if you've been bitten or stung
To treat an insect bite or sting:
Remove the sting or tick if it's still in the skin.
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help.
The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments that can help, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines.
Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.
Prevent insect bites and stings
There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by insects.
For example, you should:
Remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees – don't wave your arms around or swat at them.
Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.
Avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants – these can attract insects.
Be careful around flowering plants, rubbish, compost, stagnant water, and in outdoor areas where food is served.
You may need to take extra precautions if you're travelling to part of the world where there's a risk of serious illnesses. For example, you may be advised to take antimalarial tablets to help prevent malaria.
