Quick answer
To get rid of mice in the kitchen, move all food into sealed containers, clean droppings safely (spray with disinfectant, never sweep dry), find gaps under the sink, behind appliances and under the plinth, place a deterrent along those routes and seal gaps with wire wool and sealant. Throw away any food mice have touched.
The kitchen is where most UK households first discover mice, usually through droppings in a cupboard or a nibbled packet. It's understandably upsetting, but it's very common and usually fixable with a methodical approach.
Signs of mice in the kitchen
Mice favour kitchens for food and warmth from appliances.
- Small dark droppings in cupboards, drawers or behind the toaster
- Nibbled packets of cereal, rice, pasta or biscuits
- Grease marks along skirting boards
- Scratching behind units at night
- A musty smell in cupboards
1protect your food straight away
Check every packet in low cupboards and the larder. Throw away anything with holes, droppings or gnaw marks. Move dry food into glass, metal or hard plastic containers with tight lids.
Don't leave fruit bowls, bread or pet food out overnight.
2clean up safely
Wear rubber gloves. Spray droppings and the surrounding area with disinfectant and leave for a few minutes, then wipe up with paper towels and bin them in a sealed bag. Don't sweep or vacuum dry droppings, as this can spread dust.
Wash cupboard shelves, worktops and anything that may have been contaminated, then wash your hands thoroughly.
3find how they're getting in
Remove the kitchen plinth (it usually clips off) and look behind the cooker, fridge, washing machine and dishwasher, and under the sink. Look for holes around pipes and cables.
| Area | Common gap |
|---|---|
| Under the sink | Holes around waste and water pipes |
| Behind the cooker | Gas pipe and cable entries |
| Kitchen plinth | Open void under all units |
| Behind the fridge | Gaps in the wall or floor |
| Back door | Gap under the door |
4deter mice along their routes
Place MintGuard peppermint balls under the plinth, behind appliances and in the corners of affected cupboards, away from food. Each placement lasts around 30 to 60 days. Follow the pack instructions and keep out of reach of children and pets.
5seal the gaps
Once activity drops, fill gaps around pipes with wire wool and sealant, fit a brush strip to the back door, and repair holes in the wall behind appliances.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't put poison in the kitchen near food, children or pets. Don't seal gaps while mice are still active inside the units. Don't forget the space under the units, which is where most kitchen mice live.
When to call a professional
If you find droppings every day after two weeks, mice in several rooms, or signs of rats, call a pest controller. Food businesses must take action and may need professional help by law.
Common questions
How do I get rid of mice in my kitchen?
Seal all food away, clean droppings safely, find gaps behind appliances and under the plinth, deter mice along those routes and seal the gaps.
Is it safe to eat food mice have touched?
No. Throw away anything with holes, droppings or gnaw marks.
How do I clean mouse droppings?
Wear gloves, spray with disinfectant, wait a few minutes, wipe with paper towels and bin them. Don't sweep or vacuum dry droppings.
Where do mice live in a kitchen?
Usually in the void under the units behind the plinth, and behind appliances near warm motors.
Why do I have mice in my kitchen if it's clean?
Even clean kitchens have crumbs under appliances and gaps around pipes. Mice need very little food.
Looking for a product? See our mouse repellent page.
Sources and further reading
Written by the MintGuard UK team
Researched from trusted UK sources and checked under our editorial policy. Last reviewed 26 October 2026.
