WHEN Judy Greisbach of Broadwoodwidger returned home after a week with her daughter recently, she got the shock of her life — the 55-year-old found mouse droppings throughout her house.

At night she heard the little mice running around up in the attic, along the wall cavities and even under the floor.

Mrs Greisbach said she tried using mouse houses to catch them in a humane way, but the rodents simply removed the cheese from the traps, and carried it to her living room — where they appeared to be enjoying it in front of the fire.

Mrs Greisbach said: 'I use an electric-powered oxygen therapy machine and I was very worried that if they chewed through the electrics, it would stop the machine working.'

Mrs Greisbach was forced to call Torridge District Council's environmental protection team.

Mrs Greisbach said: 'I couldn't believe it – the pest control officer was here within three hours.

'I'm just so delighted with the service I had and I can't praise the environmental protection team enough.'

Torridge District Council's pest control officer Richard Neil said: 'When I arrived at Mrs Greisbach's house I found evidence of one of the heaviest mouse infestations I've ever seen in a domestic dwelling in ten years of doing this job.

'I had no choice but to put down poison in tamper-proof boxes throughout the living area of the property, as well as in the attic.'

When Mr Neil returned two weeks later, he found that evidence of mice in the living area had gone, and and the attic was virtually clear.

Torridge District councillor Marion Perkin said: 'Mr Neil and the team have done a wonderful job in helping Mrs Greisbach so promptly and efficiently.'

Torridge District Council offers a free service for the control of mice and rats in domestic properties.

For more information phone pest control on 01237 428810.

Mr Neil can also offer advice on bats, rabbits, badgers, squirrels, foxes, moles, bird problems, seagulls and pigeons.