Mice Dining 'Al Desko'

Take a good look at your keyboard when you get to work tomorrow - you may be surprised what dangers could be lurking beneath the keys.

The modern habit of dining 'al desko' is leaving a smorgasbord of crumbs for unwelcome visitors in offices across the UK, causing rodent numbers to rise due to unhygienic practices.

It comes as scientists say they have found evidence that mice press down on keys to get at crumbs left by workers who eat at their desk.

According to Pete Jameson from Dynamic Pest Control, "Mice will get everywhere."

Mice have a strong sense of smell and are attracted by all kinds of odours. They will feed on anything from crumbs right up to coffee residue on a desk. They like clambering on things and getting on keyboards.

Female mice can reproduce from 6 weeks old and give birth to between four and seven pups every 24 to 28 days after a 19-day gestation period.

"As long as there's people around there's going to be rodents around," Mr Jameson said, "it is important to educate workers on desk cleanliness and keep work areas food-free." Rodents' favourite foods included meat, fish oil and peanut butter.

As well as rats and mice, the UK is also seeing an increase in office cockroach infestations.

Healthy lunch breaks

Amber Hannigan makes a point of eating lunch away from her office. As well as enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, the 29-year-old legal secretary protects her computer keyboard and tries to keep it clean. She uses a fan to flush out crumbs about once a month, and wipes down her desk.

"I don't think it's a good look," she says of eating at the desk. Hannigan had a mice infestation in her flat while living in London and doesn't want a repeat experience. She plans to keep her lunch breaks an outdoor affair as long as the weather lets her. "It's much healthier for you if you get out of the office. It makes the day seem shorter."

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control