Mice Moving In for Winter: Signs and What to Do
When it gets cold, mice go looking for warmth, food, and a quiet place to nest. They can squeeze through gaps about the size of a dime.
Signs of mice
- Small, dark droppings about the size of a grain of rice.
- Scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings, mostly at night.
- Gnaw marks, shredded paper or insulation, and greasy rub marks along baseboards.
- A stale, musky smell.
Why a professional matters
Mice can get in through gaps about the size of a dime, around pipes, utility lines, garage doors, dryer vents, and foundation cracks. Finding every entry point takes experience, and until they are all found, the mice keep coming back. A professional can find how they're getting in and deal with them safely.
What helps in the meantime
- Store food, pet food, and birdseed in sealed containers.
- Keep clutter down in garages, basements, and closets.
- Avoid store-bought poison. It's risky around kids and pets, and mice can die inside walls and cause a lasting smell.
Clean up safely
Wear gloves and a mask. Don't sweep or vacuum dry droppings, since that puts dust in the air. Wet them with a disinfectant first, wipe them up, and wash your hands afterward.
When to call a pro
Call as soon as you notice signs: noises in the walls, droppings, or gnawing. Mice multiply quickly, and the sooner they're dealt with, the easier it is. Call right away if you find droppings in several rooms or think you have rats instead.
Not sure what you found? See Mouse or Rat Droppings? How to Tell the Difference.