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Is it worth getting a builder/carpenter in to investigate smell under floor?

I moved into a third floor flat in a 1920s built block a few months ago. It is not the most solid - lath and plaster walls, and can see into the floor cavity under the boards in places.

In one particular area of the flat (storage cupboard) there is a strong stench of mouse urine. There were a few droppings and I once saw a mouse, but after blocking up all holes w wire wool etc, this reduced for a time but now it's back.

I had someone to look at it and they advised there is little I can do due to the nature of the building being so old and betweem flats, the mice will always find a way in up the walls/floor cavities and all I can do is try and mask the smell or get a cat. i.e. it's not worth getting the boards taken up.

Does that sound right? I mind the idea of an actual mouse much less than the smell of their pee which i would love to get rid of rather than living with strong airfreshener etc at all times.

Yccb 21st Oct, 2011 Restoration & Refurbishment
5 Answers u1
A

hi graham here to start with you should get a vermin control specialist in he will set traps and aso locate where te vermin is getting in then mesures can be put in place to block the access points or make it more dificult for vermin to get into your flat this may move them on to your nabour but they will stop pestering you. the other option is to talk to the other tenants to see if they era having the same problem as you. if so maybe it would be wise for them to get in the vermin control in.

construction managment 21st Oct, 2011
A

Well, the question is, How long is a piece of string?
Or how much are you willing to spend?
Coming from Africa I can appreciate the rodent problem but actually if you spend enough money on rectifying the problem there is nothing that can't be fixed. You would need to get a tradesman in to open up the area you suspect to be causing you the problem, assertain the correct cleaning proceedure, close off the the holes and reinstate the floors or area you opened up.
A decent tradesman would work of around £200.00 a day and the pest control people would have to assess the cost to clean up the mess. Hope this helps.

jonique 22nd Oct, 2011
A

I would fill all of the holes with expanding foam.... although this will not stop the mice from getting through it will plug any holes..... You might want to consider getting rentokill in to prevent any further mice from peeing

House Doctors 22nd Oct, 2011
A

you could try mice traps or poison

ADR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 23rd Oct, 2011
A

Hi ccb
I would be inclined to call a specialist pest control company.
They will be able to get rid of the rodents and should advise how best to keep them away.
If the smell is that bad, then it IS worth getting the boards up to investigate.
All the best.
Paul Sharpington

Bellini Manufacturing 23rd Oct, 2011
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