Mice Getting Into the House? What to Do
Mice can be a big problem in the home. They can contaminate food, damage property, and spread diseases. Even if you’re a first-time home buyer, it’s important to learn how to look for signs of mice so that you can avoid any problems down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss how mice get in the house, what to do about them when they are a problem, and ways to get rid of them for good! Let’s start with the most important question, how do mice get in the house?
Mice are very good at squeezing through small spaces. They can fit through cracks as small as a dime. They can also climb, so they can get in through openings on the second story of a home. Once they are inside, they will start to look for food and shelter. If they are desperate enough, they can even chew through walls to create their own opening.
Now that we know how they get in, what should you do about it if you find mice in your home? We will go over that and more throughout this article so keep reading!
What Attracts Mice to Your Home
Although we already answered the question of how mice get in the house, you may still be wondering what attracts them to your home in the first place. There are a few things that can attract mice, and if you’re aware of them, you can take steps to avoid attracting them in the first place. Some of the things that attract mice include:
Food
Mice are attracted to food sources, so if you have food that is easily accessible to them, they will be more likely to come into your home. This includes things like pet food, open bags of chips or cereal, and even crumbs on the floor.
Shelter
Mice are also looking for shelter when they come into your home. This means they will be attracted to places where they can build nests. This includes places like attics, crawl spaces, and even inside walls.
Water
Mice need water to survive, so if you have a water source that is easily accessible to them, they will be more likely to come into your home. This includes things like leaky pipes, faucets, and even open containers of water.
While some of these aspects are out of your control or hard to avoid, being aware of them can help you take steps to avoid attracting mice in the first place.
Signs of Mice In the House
Now that we’ve gone over how do mice get in the house and what attracts them, let’s talk about some of the signs that there are mice in your home. Even if you’re a first-time home buyer, it’s important to be aware of the signs of mice so that you can take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible. Some of the signs of mice in the house include:
Droppings
One of the most obvious signs that there are mice in your home is droppings. Mice leave behind small, black pellets of poop wherever they go. If you see these in your home, it’s a good indication that there are mice present.
Gnawing
Mice like to gnaw on things, and this can be another sign that they’re in your home. You may find gnawed holes in food packaging, furniture, or even walls.
Nests
As we mentioned before, mice like to build nests. If you find a nest in your home, it’s a good indication that there are mice present. Nests are usually made out of materials like paper, insulation, or fabric.
Sounds
You may also be able to hear mice in your home. They tend to be most active at night, so if you hear scurrying or squeaking sounds coming from your walls or floors, it’s a good indication that there are mice present.
If you see any of these signs in your home, it’s important to take steps to get rid of the mice as soon as possible and we’re going to tell you how!
How to Get Rid of Mice
If you find mice in your home, you likely want them out as soon as possible! The good news is that it is fairly easy to get rid of mice in the home, especially if you catch them early. There are plenty of ways to do this on your own without needing to hire an exterminator. However, we will talk later about when it’s time to call in professional help. With that, let’s go over some of the ways to get rid of mice when they get in the house:
1. Mouse Traps
One of the most common ways to get rid of mice is by using mouse traps. Mouse traps come in all different shapes and sizes, but they all work essentially the same way- they lure the mouse in with bait and then kill them when they try to take it. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of killing mice, there are also live traps available that will capture the mouse so that you can release them into the wild away from your home.
2. Poison
Another way to get rid of mice is by using poison. Poison is a more controversial method as it does kill the mice, but it can also be dangerous for other animals and even children if they come into contact with it. If you do decide to use poison, be sure to follow the directions carefully and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
3. Get a Cat
Another way is to get a cat. While this isn’t a guarantee that your cat will catch every mouse, it’s definitely a possibility. If you have a cat that likes to hunt, this can be an effective way to get rid of mice in the house.
4. Ultrasonic Devices
One final option for getting rid of mice is by using ultrasonic devices. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are supposed to be intolerable for mice (and other pests), so they will stay away from your home. While some people claim these devices work, there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support this.
Doing a Mice Check Before Buying a Home
If you’re buying a home, you want to make sure you’re starting off in a mouse-free one! Before you buy a home, there are a few things you can do to check for signs of mice. Here are some tips:
1. Inspect the Exterior
One of the best ways to check for mice is by inspecting the exterior of the home. Look for any holes or cracks in the foundation as these can be entry points for mice (and other pests).
2. Inspect the Interior
Once you’re inside, continue checking for any signs of mice. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nests. If you see any of these, it’s a good indication that there are mice present in the home.
3. Listen for Sounds
As we mentioned before, mice tend to be most active at night. If you’re doing a final walk-through of the home at night, listen for any sounds that may be coming from the walls or floors. This could be a good indication that there are mice present.
If you do find signs of mice in the home, it’s important to have a discussion with the seller about this, even if you’re a first-time home buyer, as it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve tried all of the methods above and you’re still finding mice in your home, it may be time to call an exterminator. Exterminators are professionals who will be able to get rid of the mice in your home quickly and effectively. They will also be able to help you figure out how the mice are getting in and give you advice on how to prevent them from coming back in the future.
Mice can be a big nuisance, but with a little effort, you can get rid of them for good! Be sure to follow the tips above and take action as soon as you see signs of mice in your home. If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to call an exterminator for help. They will be able to get rid of the mice and help you figure out how to keep them from coming back. Thanks for reading today!
Related Questions
What do mice eat?
Mice are omnivores, so they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of seeds, fruits, nuts, insects, and small reptiles. If they get into your home, they will likely eat your food as well as any insects or rodents they can find.
What are the dangers of having mice in your home?
Mice can carry a number of diseases that are dangerous to humans, such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. They can also cause damage to your home by chewing on wiring and insulation. If you have young children in the home, they may put anything they find on the floor into their mouths, which can be dangerous if the item has been contaminated by mouse droppings.
