Where mice hide in kitchens
- The void behind and under kitchen units, accessed through gaps around pipes
- Behind and under the cooker, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher
- Inside the plinth (kickboard) under the units
- Around the boiler and in pipe boxing
- At the back of food cupboards
How they get in
In most South London kitchens, mice come from the floor void or wall cavity through the gaps where pipes and cables come through the wall or floor behind the units. In terraced houses and flats they often move between neighbouring kitchens through these voids.
What you can do straight away
- Put all dry food, including cereals, pasta, rice and pet food, into sealed containers
- Clean behind and under appliances and remove crumbs and grease
- Do not leave food or dirty dishes out overnight
- Empty bins in the evening and keep lids closed
- Take off the plinth and look for droppings and holes underneath
Professional treatment
We find the routes behind the units, place tamper-resistant bait stations or traps in the voids where children and pets cannot reach, and seal the gaps around pipes and cables with wire wool and filler or metal plates. A follow-up visit checks activity has stopped.
Food safety
Mice contaminate surfaces with droppings and urine. Clean worktops before preparing food, throw away anything that has been nibbled and wash utensils that may have been in contact with mice.
Questions and answers
Why do mice like kitchens?
Food, warmth from appliances and hidden voids behind units give them everything they need.
Should I remove the kitchen plinths?
Removing them lets you check underneath and clean. We may need access during treatment.
Can mice chew through expanding foam?
Yes. Foam alone is not mouse-proof; we use wire wool, filler, mesh or metal plates.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.