How Do Mice Get in the House & How to Get Rid of Them?
- 1. Why You’re Suddenly Seeing Mice Indoors
- 2. How Mice Get Into Your House
- 3. Signs of Mice in the House
- 4. How to Get Rid of Mice in the House (Safely & Effectively)
- 5. When to Call a Pest Control Professional
- 6. How to Keep Mice Out for Good
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Printable Checklist: What to Do If You Have Mice in the House
1. Why You’re Suddenly Seeing Mice Indoors
Mice enter homes seeking warmth, food, and shelter—especially during cooler months. They are drawn to kitchens, attics, and basements where food is stored or clutter is present.
Is one mouse a sign of an infestation? Yes. Mice are social and reproduce rapidly. If you’ve seen one, there are likely more hiding nearby.
2. How Mice Get Into Your House
- Cracks in foundations or exterior walls
- Gaps under doors or garage frames
- Unsealed openings for utility pipes or vents
- Chimneys, attic vents, and damaged roofing
Did you know? Mice can squeeze through holes as small as ¼ inch (about the size of a dime).
How do I find their entry points? Check at dusk with a flashlight. Look near corners, siding, baseboards, and crawlspaces.
3. Signs of Mice in the House
- Tiny black droppings in drawers, pantries, or corners
- Gnawed food packaging or wires
- Scratching sounds in the walls at night
- Nests made of shredded paper or fabric
- Musty or urine-like odors
Could it be something else? Possibly. But mice leave smaller droppings and lighter noises than rats or squirrels.
4. How to Get Rid of Mice in the House (Safely & Effectively)
- Seal entry points: Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth.
- Set traps: Place snap traps, glue traps, or humane traps along baseboards and behind appliances.
- Clean: Remove crumbs, store food in airtight containers, and clean droppings with gloves.
- Disrupt scent trails: Clean with vinegar or enzyme cleaners to remove pheromones.
Natural repellents: Peppermint oil, clove oil, or ultrasonic devices can help deter mice.
How long does it take? Small infestations may be controlled in a week. Larger ones may take 2–3 weeks or require professional help.
5. When to Call a Pest Control Professional
If traps aren’t working, noises persist, or you see nests in hard-to-reach areas, it’s time for expert help.
Professionals provide:
- Child- and pet-safe bait stations
- Exterior exclusion and sealing services
- Monitoring and long-term prevention
Is it safe? Yes. Most pest control companies use humane or enclosed treatments that are safe for homes with kids or pets.
6. How to Keep Mice Out for Good
Once you’ve eliminated mice, prevention is essential.
- Seal new gaps around pipes and doors
- Trim shrubs and trees that touch the home
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Declutter garages, attics, and storage areas
- Empty trash bins regularly and clean spills promptly
Natural deterrents: Mice hate strong smells like peppermint, clove, or ammonia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mice climb walls or enter the attic?
Yes. Mice can climb rough vertical surfaces and enter through attic vents, soffits, or roof gaps.
Will mice eventually leave on their own?
Not likely. If they find food and shelter, they’ll stay and reproduce. Mice rarely leave without intervention.
Do mice carry diseases?
Yes. Mice can carry salmonella, hantavirus, and other pathogens through droppings, urine, and nesting materials.
📝 Printable Checklist: What to Do If You Have Mice in the House
Download Printable Checklist (PDF)
- ☐ Inspect home for droppings or chew marks
- ☐ Identify and seal entry points
- ☐ Set and check traps daily
- ☐ Deep clean kitchen and pantry areas
- ☐ Store food in sealed containers
- ☐ Use peppermint oil or ultrasonic repellents
- ☐ Monitor for signs of new activity
- ☐ Contact pest control if needed
Print this checklist and keep it handy as you eliminate mice from your home.
Afton Jackson
You did a great job of explaining just how extensive rats can be when they damage a house. This made me think about all the times my son told me he saw a rat in his room and how we didn’t pay it much attention. If he’s right, and there really are rats in our house, then it’s only a matter of time until we see some structural damage. To prevent this, I’ll look for any rodent control services in my area that can find them and get rid of them.
Taylor Hansen
It’s good to know that rats can get into the house by going into the foundation of the house. My brother was telling me that he has seen some rats in his basement and it’s scaring his kids. He should get rat control and have his house sprayed as soon as possible.