透過這個簡單的 5 便士硬幣測試，讓老鼠遠離您的家

在你的花園裡發現老鼠可能會令人不安，但在你的房子裡發現它們則是完全不同程度的擔憂。隨著寒冷天氣的到來，這些生物正在尋找既提供庇護所又提供食物的溫暖環境，而這個任務可能會引導它們直接來到你的住所

As the weather turns colder, creatures like rats and mice begin searching for warm environments that offer both shelter and sustenance. This quest might lead them straight to your abode, as per the RSPCA's findings. Discovering these creatures inside your house is an entirely different level of concern compared to spotting them in your garden.

隨著天氣變冷，老鼠等動物開始尋找溫暖的環境來提供庇護和食物。根據皇家防止虐待動物協會的調查結果，這個任務可能會直接引導他們到你的住所。與在花園裡發現這些生物相比，在您的房子裡發現這些生物是完全不同的擔憂程度。

Thankfully, there is no need to panic because there are numerous straightforward and affordable strategies you can employ to deter these unwelcome guests. One such tip, recommended by a DIY specialist, involves a common 5p coin; a simple yet effective tool to keep you one step ahead.

值得慶幸的是，無需驚慌，因為您可以採取許多簡單且經濟實惠的策略來阻止這些不受歡迎的客人。 DIY 專家推薦的一個這樣的技巧涉及一枚普通的 5 便士硬幣；一個簡單而有效的工具，讓您領先一步。

Rats and mice have a penchant for small openings and burrows, which provide them with hidden retreats conveniently located near food sources, and their curious nature often draws them to investigate such spots.

大鼠和小鼠喜歡小開口和洞穴，這為它們提供了靠近食物源的隱蔽隱居處，它們好奇的天性經常吸引它們去調查這些地方。

To keep these persistent rodents at bay, Glen Peskett, an expert at Saxton Blades Multitools, coined the "5p test".

為了阻止這些頑固的囓齒動物，Saxton Blades Multitools 的專家 Glen Peskett 創造了「5p 測試」。

Speaking with The Mirror, Peskett advised homeowners: "Take a wander around the edge of your shed or home and look closely and any gap bigger than a 5p coin should be sealed up immediately."

佩斯克特在接受《鏡報》採訪時建議房主：“在你的棚屋或家的邊緣走一圈，仔細觀察，任何大於 5 便士硬幣的縫隙都應該立即密封。”

He cautioned: "The last thing you want is them entering your home and snacking on wiring, which could cause fires or shocks. Removing any entry points is going to reduce mice significantly."

他警告說：“你最不想看到的就是它們進入你的家並吃掉電線，這可能會導致火災或電擊。移除任何入口點將大大減少老鼠的數量。”

You might spot these 5p-sized gaps in places like the attic or roof, the garage, under worn-out weather stripping, foundation gaps, around pipes, electrical wiring or gas lines, and through vents and airways. Experts recommend plugging small holes with steel wool and using caulking or spray foam to secure it. They further suggest packing the steel wool as tightly as possible to deter rats from gnawing their way through.

您可能會在閣樓或屋頂、車庫、磨損的擋風雨條下、地基間隙、管道、電線或煤氣管道周圍以及通風口和氣道等地方發現這些 5p 大小的間隙。專家建議用鋼絲絨堵住小孔，並使用填縫劑或噴塗泡棉進行固定。他們進一步建議將鋼絲絨包裹得盡可能緊密，以防止老鼠啃咬它們。

Additional advice for blocking these entry points includes using wooden moulding, sealing outbuildings and garages, and repairing any foundations known to have rat issues. Rats and mice are classified as vermin that can spread potentially serious diseases, damage property, and contaminate food.

封鎖這些入口點的其他建議包括使用木製造型、密封附屬建築和車庫，以及修復任何已知有老鼠問題的地基。老鼠被歸類為害蟲，可以傳播潛在的嚴重疾病、損壞財產和污染食物。

As autumn draws to a close, the food sources for these rodents start to dwindle as vegetation dies back, making them more active in the UK during winter. The RSPCA notes that rodents are drawn to compost heaps, describing them as a "major attractant as they offer food, shelter and warmth".

隨著秋季接近尾聲，隨著植被枯死，這些囓齒動物的食物來源開始減少，這使得它們在冬季在英國更加活躍。英國皇家防止虐待動物協會指出，囓齒類動物會被堆肥所吸引，並將其描述為「主要的引誘劑，因為它們提供食物、住所和溫暖」。

The charity added: "Other attractants can be improperly stored rubbish bags, cat, dog or other pet food (particularly outside pets like rabbits or guinea pigs) and food left out for wildlife (e.g. hedgehogs)."

該慈善機構補充說：“其他引誘劑可能是儲存不當的垃圾袋、貓、狗或其他寵物食品（特別是兔子或豚鼠等室外寵物）以及留給野生動物（例如刺猬）的食物。”