3) Don’t let them get in

Make your home ‘Fort Knox’: fix and replace cracked or broken doors or windows and make sure that drains and drain covers are in a good state of repair.

Seal up holes – particularly around pipework: mice travel around your home by following pipes and wiring. Use steel wool, copper mesh or plaster to fill holes and, in particular, seal up the gaps surrounding hot water pipes to prevent them from entering airing cupboards.

4) Don’t attract them in the first place

Remove mouse hiding places: de-clutter your garden by getting rid of leaves, wooden planks or boards, pipes, and scraps of wood. Cut back weeds and mow areas of tall grass.

Be neat and tidy: clean up spills immediately, never leave out dirty dishes and vacuum regularly.

Nikki Sellers, Head of Home Insurance at esure.com, said: “Homeowners should make their home as ‘rodent proof’ as possible during cold spells when mice and rats are on the look out for a warm place to nest and easy access to food. Be extra vigilant and do not delay in seeking professional advice if you notice any tell-tale signs such as gnawed wires or droppings.

“Eradicating pest problems can be costly and leave homeowners with unexpected hefty bills. e sure’s pest insurance cover offers peace of mind to homeowners that they can receive a fast, professional and reliable pest control service at a low monthly cost.”

To protect homes from the cold and prevent frozen pipes, esure.com offers the following tips to minimise the risk of a home emergency during this week’s

Leave the central heating system on for short periods of time throughout the day;

Remove the trap door from the roof space to allow warm air from the main house to enter;

Open doors to the sink unit to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes;

Use only gentle heat, like bottles or towels soaked in warm water, if trying to thaw frozen pipes.

Note:

* ICM Research interviewed a random selection of 1013 adults aged 18+, by telephone between the 18th and 20th of November 2005 on behalf of esure.

Launched in December 2005, esure pest insurance covers the removal of: grey squirrels, wasps, hornets’ nests, rats, and mice infestations starting at just £1.50 per month. It is available as an ‘add-on’ to anyone with an esure home insurance policy (either buildings or contents).

Summary of esure’s pest cover:

A speedy response: A 24-hour helpline to report the pest problem and gain advice or reassurance.

Qualified pest specialists: esure’s network of pest controllers are all vetted, audited, fully qualified and professionally trained.

Expert advice to avoid infestations: Practical guidance given when handling the infestation to help prevent future pest problems.

Home emergency cover is also available as an ‘add-on’ to an esure home insurance policy home policy (either buildings or contents) from £2.80 per month, which covers up to £500 for call out charges and up to 2 hours labour costs, plus parts and materials up to a maximum of £100.