As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.
If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home.
The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more mice on your property, but it does signal that they’re preparing for the winter by making themselves at home in your home, where they aren’t welcome.
As you prepare to nest for the winter with extra warmth and a full pantry, this is the ideal time to consider how to make your space less appealing to these uninvited rodents. To do that, you’ll want to learn more about how they behave and when it’s time to contact a pest control professional.
Where Do Mice Live in the Winter?
In temperate areas like Texas, mice can often manage to do just fine outdoors year-round, but this depends on how mild the winter weather is. In areas with colder weather, mice will still build nests, but they will make them somewhere more hidden, like in fields or woodpiles.
Mice are just like any other warm-blooded mammal, meaning that when it gets too cold, they’ll seek out shelter. Any time the weather gets too uncomfortable for them, they’ll focus on finding a way to escape it, with your home being one of the more obvious targets.
Mice that enter your home don’t want to be found. They’ll look for the quietest and secluded areas and build their nests there, like in attics or crawlspaces. Mice try to avoid human interaction as much as possible, so they’ll strike a balance between finding somewhere warm and close to a food source and somewhere where you’ll have a hard time finding them without help.
Mice bold enough to approach food sources closely might make themselves cozy inside or behind appliances. This is a good hiding spot for them, and the warmth from your dishwasher or stove can be a bonus. This poses the obvious problem of having mice in your kitchen, but it can also lead to chewed wires.
Even if you feel you’ve taken every possible step to deter mice, don’t underestimate how resourceful they can be. Their bodies can squeeze through very small holes, as small as the size of a dime.
As a result, the tiniest gaps underneath your sink or in cabinets can serve as potential hiding spots, even if they don’t seem mouse-shaped.
Do Mice Like Cold Weather?
If you’ve ever seen a mouse scurrying around outside, you may wonder, “Do mice like cold weather?” Generally, they are not fond of cold weather. They prefer the same average temperatures humans do, between 65 and 80 degrees.
So how do you know whether these pests have chosen your home as their escape from the cooler temperatures? Since mice often hide from you on purpose, you might not even realize you have a problem until you see a mouse yourself. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- A musty odor
- Nests
- Scratching or skittering noises
Let’s dive into these a bit more.
Droppings
Aside from seeing a mouse out in the open, droppings are typically the most common sign homeowners notice when they have mice. Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice, and you’ll often find them in places where you store your food, like your pantry or inside cabinets.
Gnaw Marks
Mice chew on things to keep their teeth from getting too long. If they’re in your home, they can bite everything from cardboard boxes to baseboards. You might also notice chewed electrical wires, which is a red flag that you have pests.
A Musty Odor
Strong, musky smells inside pantries or cabinets could indicate a mouse infestation. If there isn’t another explanation for the scent and you notice any droppings along with it, this can be a clear sign you need help from a pest control pro.
Nests
A mouse nest could be made from many different materials. They’ll usually piece things together that they find around the home, such as insulation or fabric. Nests are a sign that your rodent guests are not only visiting, but they also plan to make themselves at home and stay a while.
Scratching or Skittering Noises
Mice might think they’re being sneaky. But if you’re paying attention, you can sometimes hear them scratching, running or even squeaking. The noises are much more noticeable at night when everything else is quieter and the mice are more active. If you’re concerned about mouse activity, see if you can hear anything during these times.
What Counts as a Mice Infestation?
Exactly how many mice is considered an infestation? For most homeowners, one mouse is too many. They reproduce so quickly that what starts as one mouse in your kitchen can turn into a full-blown infestation quickly. That’s assuming you actually only have one and that others aren’t hiding elsewhere in the home.
The best option is to contact a professional pest control company if you see any evidence of a mouse in your home.
How Long Can Mice Survive Without Food?
You may be wondering, how long can a mouse live without food? The good news is that mice can only survive for a few days without a food source. Eliminate their food source, and they may find another place to go.
This poses an obvious challenge for homeowners, though. A comfortable home is well-stocked with resources, so it’s not as easy as removing the food from your home.
Still, keeping food well-sealed and maintaining a clean kitchen can go a long way toward deterring mice. The best way to treat mice is with the help of a pest control professional, who can effectively treat any mice that have already made their way into your home.
Causes of Mice in the House
The winter weather brings the holiday season, so you’re probably used to spending this time making your home more appealing for guests. If you want to keep mouse infestations at bay, you’ll also have to make sure you’re not preparing for the wrong type of guests.
A good first step is to check your home’s exterior for any gaps that need sealing. Remember, they can fit through very small spaces, so consider even the tiniest cracks worth addressing.
Keep food where mice can’t access it, and keep surfaces clean. Even a small bit of food can become a feast for a mouse. You’ll also want to make sure that bulk food, even dog food, is stored in a sealed container. Don’t leave these items in cardboard boxes or bags, as mice can gnaw on them to keep their teeth short and realize that dinner’s inside.
Mice also come into your home in search of water. Check under your sinks and your laundry room to see if there are any dripping pipes or faucets. Fixing them saves you money on your water bill and prevents mice from accessing this resource in your home. Tackle any standing water throughout your home, like in sinks or bathtubs.
Making the Outside of Your Home Less Appealing
It’s equally important to make your yard less appealing to mice, starting with your garage. Mice love clutter because it creates the perfect hiding spaces for them to build nests and start their new life among your belongings. Place boxes high off the ground if you can, and keep the garage clean and organized.
The same goes for your garbage bins. While you might not think much about rodents scrounging around in garbage, these bins can be a gateway for them to associate your property with food. Choose garbage and recycling bins with lids to help combat this issue.
It’s also helpful to trim back bushes and other landscaping, especially if it’s close to your foundation. These areas are often prime real estate for mice when they’re living outside, and they also make excellent avenues for them to climb onto or into your home.
Take Steps to Protect Your Home From Rodents
Your home should be your family’s sanctuary during the coldest months of the year, not a haven for rodents. While taking these proactive steps can help you take control of your home’s comfort this winter, the most effective solution is to team up with a professional pest control company.
Whether you have questions about the differences between a vole versus a mouse or need a comprehensive inspection of your property, a pest control pro can help.
ABC Can Handle Your Rodent Problems
When mice and rats decide your home would be an ideal location to build a nest, you may have quite a difficult time convincing these pesky pests otherwise. The rodent specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services are here to help! We will assess your particular situation to determine the extent of the infestation and create a customized plan for controlling your rodent problem.
