Suddenly seeing mice in your home? As temperatures drop across New England, mice and other rodents begin looking for warmth, food and shelter. That can lead them indoors through surprisingly small openings.
“Fall is when we often see an increase in rodent activity because mice are looking for a protected place to spend the colder months,” said Tim Husen, general manager of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, “A small opening around the foundation or another part of the home can give them a way inside.”
How small of a hole can a mouse fit through?
A mouse can squeeze through an opening about the size of a dime. Homeowners should check foundations, doors, windows, vents and areas where pipes or utility lines enter the home for potential entry points.
How can I keep mice out before winter?
Seal cracks and gaps around the home, replace damaged weatherstripping and keep firewood, leaves and other materials away from the foundation. Food, birdseed and pet food should also be stored in tightly sealed containers.
What are the first signs of mice?
Droppings, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, gnaw marks, nesting materials and damaged food packaging can all indicate rodent activity.
Does seeing one mouse mean I have an infestation?
Not necessarily, but it should not be ignored. One mouse can indicate that an entry point is accessible to other rodents.
“Finding one mouse is a good reason to take a closer look,” said Husen. “Identifying how it got inside and addressing the entry point can help prevent a larger problem during the winter.”
Braman’s pest elimination experts can help homeowners identify rodent entry points, signs of activity and steps to reduce the risk of mice and other rodents getting inside.