Just moved in, dead mouse in the kitchen

[SoSoSoTIREDDDDDD]

I’m so tired.

I have two toddlers that both have different disabilities and we lived in an unsuitable private property for 3 years. Since Dec, I’ve been saving enough for a deposit and first month’s rent for a new place. After 6/7 weeks of searching and being declined because I have children or because I’m on UC, I found the most perfect place.

Moved in yesterday and as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, I saw a dead mouse just laying there. We had mice in our previous flat (until I paid £350 for mice proofing as the Landlord refused to do anything about it) and this was one of the reasons why we left. So to step into our new place and see a dead mouse kind of felt like a sick joke.

Not much that I want to say really. I thought things were looking up but I feel as if I’ve taken 10 step backwards

Urgh, how bloody annoying. At least it’s dead I guess, but I totally understand why you’d feel deflated. Are there any other signs of mice?

Get rid and put it out your head. Please don't tar your new home with the same brush already.
I really hope you'll be happy there

Dispose of the mouse, set a few traps and try and relax.

These things happen.
I had mice before as I lived in the country. They won’t go near your children.

Focus on enjoying your new life and new home.

Best wishes.

Mice happen, they can be dealt with. Bin it, wipe the floor and enjoy your lovely new home.

In my world mice happen. Not pleasant but nothing to get upset about. I grew up in house that got mice and moles on occasion. I bought a house that gets mice on occasion.

I’ve always had cats so just let nature take its course. Although did have bring pest control as I heard something in the attic and was afraid squirrels got in… now they are destructive. Turned out it was a mouse. A couple of traps and haven’t heard them up there since.

Although I did publicly shame my lazy cats for not doing their job to the pest control guy.

It's a mouse and not a rat or which is a good thing, if it's dead as well could of may been treated prior to you coming in. Could you get a cat? Or is it no pets.

Are you in the country?
Traps, block holes up, removed vegetation from
around the house all the usual things

My cat used to make the problem worse! Now don't get me wrong, he was an adept mouser. But he brought them in too. I've hardly seen any since he passed away, God love him.

I understand that some people have had mice enter their property all their lives but this isn’t something that’s considered normal to me. I live in SW London, if I lived in the country then maybe I’d feel different but unfortunately, I don’t.

I found mouse traps in the kitchen cupboard which suggest that this isn’t a one off. It does make it easier for me in terms of making sure that the EA get the property mouse proofed but it’s frustrating as I really could do without this. If the tenancy wasn’t already signed, I’d go back to our own place!

I’m going to get a cat and see if that helps things. My 3 year old really likes animals (not sure about my 2 year old) so it’ll be a lovely family pet

I don't think a cat is a good answer. They will catch mice outside and bring them home to you as presents.

It would be better to get the mouse holes filled in.

I asked the pest control officer and that was what he said.

We used to have mice too, but they stopped after we filled all the holes. I'm really sorry that you are having to deal with that. It's just another thing that you really don't need. Well done for being such a great Mum.

A cat will just bring you even more mice, possibly dead ones with the guts trailing out of them!

Ugh i hate them! So feel for you. Get proper pest control to block up all the holes and you won't have to worry again about them for a while hopefully

Whoa 350? I paid £70 for two visits (initial and follow up and if I needed another it would have been free) for large six bedroom old house. He was up in the loft and everywhere.
Cats can just make it worse as they bring in live mice and let them go!

Thank you so much for your kind words❤️

We live on the 4th floor in a block of flats so the cat would be an indoor only cat. I’ve contacted a few rescue places and many of them have cats that were previously indoor cats. I don’t know, do people think it’s cruel to keep a cat inside? Especially as I have two young children? I know that we can give them a good home but I also want the cat to feel happy

£350 was for the actual mouse proofing. Not the setting traps and coming back for a couple more visits if that makes sense?

I’ll definitely make sure the EA pay for mouse proofing and hope that the pest controller does their job properly. I’m still getting a pet regardless!

Its not cruel to keep a cat indoors. Around here we don’t let cats out very much anymore to protect songbirds.

Whether it's cruel or not really depends on the cat.

We originally kept ours indoors and one of them was so stressed he was unwell because of it. The vet recommended letting him out and we saw an automatic improvement in his health, confidence and happiness.

All my cats have a choice now and every single one chooses to go out at least once a day. They're not bred to live inside IMO.

Make sure the rescue is aware you have toddlers and they match you with a toddler friendly kitty. There will be plenty of cats that are happy with young children.

Indoor cats live very happy lives with plenty of entertainment, activity and cat grass. Much safer for them too.

Good luck in your new home and with your new kitty too 💐

FWIW, I grew up in SE London and we had mice periodically. We got a cat and saw fewer of them but really there will be rodents wherever there is a food source and that counts just as much in cities as it does in the countryside.

I hope it doesn't spoil your new home, and a cat will be a lovely addition whether or not they're good at mousing!

Don't waste your money on a cat yet. They can cost a fortune to keep healthy. They are not guaranteed mouse catchers. A lot don't have a clue.
We had a cat that ignored mice but tried to get baby wild rabbits. That was messy!
Best Wishes for the new home.x

Just wondering: was no inventory done?

That would be a concern as it could lead to issues when you eventually move out.

It's very difficult to mouse proof a flat. They can squeeze through gaps of 1-2 cm and there will be access points from other flats.

I think I would also get a cat if I wanted one and the lease allows it. I would also make sure the agent knows the flat was not clean if there was a dead rodent in it. Send an email as proof. They should not charge you to clean it at the end of it wasn't clean at the beginning!

Do all the practical stuff like looking for gaps around pipes and in skirting boards, I expect you already know more about mouse riddance than many of us on here.

An indoor cat needs lots of entertainment to keep it stimulated, relaxed and happy. Cat toys, feathers on a string to dangle and pounce on, a safe place up high to look down on the room from and importantly, get a rest from your children.
Can you stomach emptying a litter tray? Vets bills can be huge.

www.catastrophicreations.com/blogs/articles/how-to-catify-your-apartment

Good luck in your new home.

Oh yes I’ve made them aware that I have young children so that we’re matched with a kitty who will work with our little family! Thank you for your kindness:)