5 Signs Mice Have Moved Into Your Garden — And How To Get Rid Of Them

If mice are making themselves at home in your garden, they'll usually leave behind a trail of tell-tale signs before you ever spot one.

While these tiny rodents are often difficult to see, knowing what to look for can help you catch the problem early.

Here are five signs mice could be living in your garden - and what you can do to stop them in their tracks before they make their way indoors.

1. Scattered birdseed on the ground

"Disturbed bird feeder areas with seeds scattered on the ground are a very common and frequently overlooked sign," says Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management. "Mice are attracted to the spillage beneath feeders and will visit nightly without the homeowner ever seeing them."

Sam Jenkinson, shed expert for garden building retailers, Tiger, agrees: "If you're also noticing bird seed disappearing unusually quickly, this is a strong sign that a population has become established nearby."

To avoid attracting mice, use a secure bird feeder, rather than just scattering on the ground, to ensure you're feeding birds, not rodents.

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2. Gnaw and smear marks

Gnaw and smear marks are a key giveaway to mice activity. Their teeth don't stop growing, meaning they are constantly gnawing to keep them worn down. Keep an eye open for marks on wood, plastic, or even hard materials around sheds and buildings.

"Smear marks, greasy dark streaks along surfaces, show where mice travel," says Sam. "Storing items in sealed containers immediately makes your shed far less attractive."

3. Mouse runways

Looking out for pathways in grass can help you locate mice. "Runways are often visible where mice have repeatedly travelled the same path, leaving a slightly flattened trail through grass," says Andrew Pemberton, senior manager of Surveying at The Professional Snagging Company.

"Mice are creatures of habit and tend to follow the same routes every day," says Sam. "Keeping vegetation trimmed back and sealing any small gaps around the base of your shed.

"Allowing shrubs, long grass or climbing plants to grow right up against your shed creates sheltered pathways straight to the building, making it easier for mice to nest underneath."

4. Fresh droppings

One of the most reliable signs is droppings; they're small, dark and rod-shaped, found along fence lines, beneath decking and around sheds and compost. Fresh droppings are typically dark and moist, while older droppings become lighter in colour.

"If you're finding fresh droppings regularly in the same area, it's a sign mice may have established themselves nearby," says Sam.

a cute baby wood mouse or long tailed field mouse, apodemus sylvaticus, coming out of its undergound burrow.

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5. Burrow entrances

Another clear indicator is burrow entrances ranging around 20 to 30mm in diameter. Andrew says to check around your shed, decking, compost bin, or dense planting. Garden buildings provide dry shelter, so you may find them creating burrows in these spots.

What to do if you have mice

Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager for BASF Pest Control Solutions, has provided the best steps for you to take if you suspect mice.

Inspect your home for entry points – Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm, so check walls, pipework, doors and windows for cracks or wear and tear.
Seal any holes – Repair gaps with a hardwearing material to stop mice getting back in.
Keep clutter to a minimum – Reducing hiding places makes your home less attractive to rodents.
Trim back vegetation – Cut back bushes and shrubs around your home, as mice are less likely to cross open spaces.
Make predators' job easier – Keeping vegetation tidy also makes it easier for natural predators, such as cats, to spot rodents.

Ultimately, Laurence advises, "If you do spot signs of rodent activity, it’s time to find a suitable treatment and ideally use a professional pest technician".