Mum in mice-infested flat claims newborn fell ill after droppings found in cot

The Birmingham council tenant said she fears for her children's safety and has asked to be rehomed

Harry Leach - Local Democracy Reporter | Wednesday 25th October 2023 8:18am

A mum living in a mice-infested council flat claimed her newborn fell ill after finding droppings in his cot. The Kitts Green tenant, who would not be named, claimed her three-week-old son suffered with a bacteria infection following the discovery of the rodents.

The 30-year-old said the infestation was present from the moment she moved into the flat with her 12-year-old daughter at the start of 2023. And, despite intervention from Birmingham City Council’s pest control team, it was only “getting worse”.

The mum, heavily pregnant at the time with her second child, contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service in the summer and told how her mental health was “deteriorating” after a mouse climbed over her sleeping daughter.

Reaching out for help a second time, the mum said this week that she was “desperate” to be rehomed. “Mice have been in my bedroom and we can hear them behind our walls,” she said.

“The whole block is riddled, it’s not just my flat. Pest control have been around and put traps down and covered a few holes but they keep coming back.

“I have two children, one is three-weeks-old, and now ill with a bacteria infection. It’s from being exposed to the mice in this flat – I’m sure of it.

“I’m having to throw all of his stuff away, including his cot after I found mice droppings inside it.” The mum claimed midwives who visited her flat were “lifting their legs” on her bed to avoid being touched by the rodents.

Frustrated, she called on the council to eradicate the infestation “once and for all”. Birmingham City Council said was “deeply sorry” to hear the infestation had continued to cause the family stress.

A council spokesperson said: “Three mouse bait boxes were installed on July 17, which contractors checked and replenished two weeks later. Contractors planned further visits on August 15 and 22 but, unfortunately, they were not able to gain access to the property and could not get in contact with the resident.

“The initial visit also identified work needed to block up holes and prevent the rodents from entering the property. This work to block up holes has been completed but took longer than expected as contractors have struggled to access the property. We’re deeply sorry to hear that this infestation is causing such distress to the family.

“We will do everything in our power to make their home safe and comfortable again, and the more times we can gain access the property, the quicker we can do this.”

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