The 5p test that can stop rats and mice invading your home as warmer weather arrives

Summer brings an increased chance of seeing rats and mice either in or around your home. Here's how to keep them out

As the weather warms up, many of us enjoy the higher temperatures - but so do rats and mice.

Summer brings an increased chance of seeing the furry creatures either in or around your home, as they use this time of year to find the perfect nesting space and make preparations for winter.

But one expert has said people shouldn't leave it to chance if they want to keep the rodents outside, and has explained a quick test people can do to "significantly reduce pests picking their property to hunker down in".

Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades Multitools, said: “Homeowners ahead of rising temperatures should conduct the 5p test. Take a wander around the edge of your shed or home and look closely and any gap bigger than a 5p coin should be sealed up immediately.

"The last thing you want is them entering your home and snacking on wiring, which could cause fires or shocks. Removing any entry points is going to reduce mice significantly.”

Other ways to keep rats and mice away include:

Soaking cotton buds in peppermint oil and placing them around the outside doors and windows, as the strong smell will keep pests away from trying to enter your home.

Placing dryer sheets in places where they might nest is a key way to stop them from burrowing once they're in your home, including pantries or in the attic.

What attracts mice to your home?

Clutter in the attic or shed which they can use to bury themselves in and create a nest.

Dry food stores - such as cereals, grains and pastas that are not secured in a pest-proof box.

Cool spaces away from the heat - and any small entryways - anything bigger than a 5p - can give entry to mice.

What damage can mice do to your house?

Rats and mice themselves aren't usually an issue. The main problem they can cause is damage to electrical cables by biting through them, which can increase the likelihood of a fire.

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