Mice and other rodents roaming our homes and gardens aren't ideal, but how can we get rid of them?
Gardening experts are warning homeowners to protect their homes from warmth-seeking mice during cold winter temperatures.
Homeowners have also been warned to watch out for supermice after a woman in Bolton was afraid to go into her garden after supermice took over the room.
The rats have dug holes to get into the neighbor's yard and are preventing her grandchildren from playing in the yard because of the rat droppings and the smell of urine.
Any rubbish lying around could mean your garden is attracting mice (Image: Getty Images)
What is a super rat?
While you might think that super mice are mice that are much larger than regular mice, this is not the case.
The Pest UK website explains that the term "super rat" "refers to its immunity to poison baits currently used throughout the UK."
How to repel mice in the garden
GardeningExpress gardening experts have shared some tips to help keep mice out of your garden.
Clear all trash
Garbage, trash, and yard waste left on the ground make ideal nesting sites for mice because they find them warm and inviting.
Be sure to remove everything you've picked over the winter and make sure there are no gaps in your garden that could attract rodents.
Cover up cracks and holes.
If there are cracks or holes in your garden, you will need to seal them if you want to prevent mice from entering.
Mice can get into the smallest openings of garden sheds or flower pots and choose where to build their new home.
No matter how small the rooms, make sure they are closed to prevent mice from infesting them.
Which part of England am I responsible for?
Use garlic powder
Mice don't like strong smells like garlic powder or peppermint oil, so if you have sensitive areas in your garden, it's a good idea to sprinkle them on the ground.
Drain cover
Make sure all gutters and grates in your garden are closed and undamaged.
If you need to replace it, try it and check your home for possible entry points for mice.
Do not provide a water source.
Mice need a source of water to build a new home, so it is important not to expose them to dripping taps, tanks or clogged drains.
Keep your compost pile moist
If you have hot, dry compost in your garden, it will attract mice as it will keep the house warm.
To prevent this, keep the compost pile moist to prevent compost from getting inside.
Mice are attracted to food scraps, even on bird tables (Photo: Getty Images)
Organize your bird table
If you have a bird feeder, it is a good idea to check it for spilled seeds in the afternoon when the birds stop eating.
Bird tables are known to attract mice, so placing them will help keep them away.
Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of GardeningExpress, said: “The expected January cold spell means these rodents will leave their usual habitat and look for a warm home.
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“You may find them trying to get into your home and if you see them in your garden it means they think it is a good place to start building their nest and keeping warm.
“This can happen if there is rubbish and garden waste on the ground or if food sources such as fruits and vegetables are being grown.
"Having mice in the garden is a huge nuisance, so we've shared a few ways to keep them out of your home."
