Vermin. Rodents. Pests. No matter how you feel about them, mice over the years have been portrayed to be many things from many different media. From the comical and curious Jerry from “ Tom and Jerry “, to the acclaimed Mickey Mouse, they seem to have been everywhere.

Yet this representation of them in the media as curious and cunning has not produced the most desired attention for their worldly counterparts. The global rodent control market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2027, and this coupled with a staggeringly low 12 - 14 % escape rate means these mice have the odds against them.

But it is not all doom and gloom as the quote goes. Or is it ? After all, we barely see these creatures crawling around during the day. Where are they ? For most of us, the desired answer would be not in our house, but on average the British Pest Control Agency (BPCA) receives 80,000 callouts a year. This is just the known number. There are many mice that are living life under the radar, in the gloom. 

If we see popular pop portrayals of them, such as Jerry, they have a mouse hole tucked away in a wall leading to a vastly elaborate living environment. And you could say somewhat that they do actually have an elaborate living environment. Not with mini sofas and tables unfortunately. 

Mice typically enter through cracks and holes similar to those in entertainment. Once inside, mice build nests in hidden areas near food sources. Homeowners may also find them living in attics, wall voids, under cabinets or inside crawl spaces. Essentially, they like to keep up the ante and tend to move from one place to another in the house under the shade of night or when there is nobody home.

Why, though ? Why do you or anybody else in the world have these animals scurrying around the house ? In the UK, the most common reason is the change in the seasons and with urbanisation, many once wild mice have chosen the much cosier choice of a heated home with ample food over that of a den and foraging for some measly seeds and fruit.

Finally, The Question you have all been waiting for. The Cat and Mouse debate. Yes and No. The long fuelled rivalry between these two animals is not completely a result of the media. Cats genuinely have the ability to hunt mice. But as a pest solution, I think it is better to let your cat have a rest.