Most Common Ways Mice Get Into Our Homes (2024)

FAQs

Most Common Ways Mice Get Into Our Homes? ›

How Do Mice Enter Houses? Mice enter homes through cracks and holes found in walls, floors and foundations. Homeowners commonly do not recognize mouse holes until other signs of infestation appear. Due to their body shape, mice are capable of fitting through holes much smaller than appear likely.

When mice get in, it is usually a matter of a gap or a crack, either in your foundation, outer walls, or attic area. To find entry points, start by doing a detailed inspection of the outside of your home. Look closely at your foundation for cracks or gaps where a mouse could squeeze through.

There are several common triggers that can attract mice to invade homes. These include the availability of food sources, shelter, and easy access points. Mice are attracted to homes that provide abundant food sources such as open pet food containers, uncovered garbage bins, and improperly stored pantry items.

Simple Rodent Control Tips

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Keep attics, basem*nts and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

Spotting one elusive mouse typically means there are at least five or six hiding out in your walls, basem*nt, or attic. This is particularly true if you see a mouse at night or in a low-traffic area of your home. For more proof of a full infestation, look for these indicators: Scratching noises in the evening.

The strong scent of peppermint is overwhelming to mice. Similarly, essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil are potent in keeping mice at bay. One study noted that eucalyptus oil applied once a day was more effective as a rat repellant than once a week.

Mice need a place to nest and nearby food in order to survive and multiply. In a context where you abruptly remove the food, the environment would suddenly not be able to sustain such a large number of mice; therefore, mice would look for more favourable environments and many, if not all, would leave.

"They typically enter homes between October and February looking for food, water and shelter from the cold." Orkin crunched numbers and ranked the top 50 most rodent-infested cities. They used the number of new rodent treatments, both commercial and residential, from fall 2022 through summer 2023.

Rats, large or small, and mice, will be anywhere there can get under or behind things. So, under the bed, behind dressers and desks, in closets, and under/behind anything that is left on the floor. They can also chew holes and enlarge places. So, pretty much, anywhere and everywhere.

How to get rid of mice quickly? ›

One Mouse Warrants An Exterminator Check

There's no reason to panic if you recently spotted a single mouse in the home, but you should take it seriously.

 Rats and mice are nocturnal with most activity taking place between approximately one half hour after sunset to about one half hour before sunrise.

Mice are very averse to strong smells, so these can be used to keep them away from your home and property. Try things like ammonia, bleach, moth balls, or essential oils like peppermint, clove, tea tree, rosemary or cinnamon.

Mothballs - Contain naphthalene and may deter mice when used in strong enough doses. Ammonia - Mimics the odor of predators' urine and can act as a repellent. Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, or Cloves - Have strong scents that may repel mice.

Dryer sheets do not repel mice. The belief that dryer sheets can repel mice has gained popularity over time, primarily due to the assumption that scent of dryer sheets might deter rodents. However, this is a misconception, and using dryer sheets as a mouse repellent is not a reliable or proven method.

Yes, mice, along with other rodents, bugs and pests, can use household dryer vents as a pathway to get inside your home. Most homes with a laundry dryer inside have vents on the outside where the heat escapes. If the outside vent is uncovered or damaged, household pests can easily get inside.