Uninvited guests could bring sickness over Christmas.

Falling temperatures will make the warmth of homes and ready access to food irresistible to mice, warns Middlesbrough Borough Council.

Terry Neasham, council pest control manager, said: "At this time of year, when we would normally be welcoming guests into our homes, you could find one or two of these unwelcome visitors turning up."

Mice and rats carry harmful bacteria in their fur, urine and droppings.

The local authority is issuing guidelines to people on how to avoid infestations, including removing rubbish and debris from around the outside of the house, and keeping rubbish in bins or other containers. People should only put out rubbish bags on collection days.

Householders should check for small gaps or holes in house walls, especially where pipes enter the building and fill gaps.

People are urged not to leave food lying around, but store it in tightly-sealed containers, including pet food and bird seed.

The pest control service has made 5,500 visits and revisits to deal with mice and other rodents this year.

Councillor Ken Hall, council commissioner for the environment, said: "Mice and rats are a major public health hazard as they can pass on some very nasty sickness. Our officers are only too pleased to offer advice on eradicating this nuisance."

Mr Neasham said: "Mice are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface or along wires or ropes and jump up to a foot from the floor on to a flat surface.