From digital probe cameras to ultrasonic repellents, use these top tips and gadgets to keep your home clear of mice this winter

Pests cost the UK economy more than £1billion a year in damage to property and extra maintenance — and mice are enemy No1. They can also be a health hazard, contaminating food and leaving droppings.

So how to banish them from your property? No more cutting off tails with carving knives, the chase is now high-tech.

Here Scott Friday, of pest-proofing specialist Superproof, shares his top tips.

He says: “Most mouse-control methods woefully underestimate mice. They need to be properly prevented from getting into homes.”

1. Mice seek out food by smell, as their sight is very limited. So store it in sealed containers and keep bin areas tidy.
2. Get rid of clutter in the attic, basement or garage. Mice love to nest there.
3. Look for mouse entry points — such as leaving the garage door open or the back door ajar for pets — and close them.
4. Traps and poisons are popular solutions but can endanger children and pets.
   

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5. Ultrasonic repellents are less effective over time as mice get used to the noise.
6. The most hi-tec method uses digital probe cameras to find even the tiniest mouse runs, then plugs gaps with a cement-polyfibre blend that mice cannot gnaw.
7. Mice breed fast, so trapping one lot without stopping others getting into your home will see them return.
8. After clearing up an infestation, clean your home thoroughly and remove dust under furniture, as mice are attracted to it.

Buy of the week

KNOWN by estate agents as a “Kim Kardashian home”, this gorgeous two-bed terrace in Stokesley, near Middlesbrough, looks tiny from the front but has a lot out the back.

Features include a smart, modern kitchen and enormous 300ft garden.

Snap it up for £230,000 at onthemarket.com/details/5809239/.

Deal of the week

WITH the clocks turned back, the trend for cosy Scandi-style living has returned too.

This stylish Ideal Home Monty retro lamp table looks great with both traditional or more modern interiors.

Was £69 now £39 at very.co.uk.

SAVE: £30

Check your insurance

REMEMBER, remember to check your home insurance this November.

If you’re holding a Bonfire Night bash, the most common claims involve damage to tiles, fences and garden furniture. Most home policies will cover these – but not damage that may be caused by frightened pets on the rampage.

For this, you may need separate pet insurance. Contact your provider to see what’s included before your party begins.

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