As the first cold snaps of autumn arrive, mice begin actively searching for warm, safe places to shelter for the winter, according to pest control experts cited by Realsimple. Even a spotless house can suddenly become appealing to the rodents.
Experts outlined six factors that most commonly draw mice indoors, along with steps homeowners can take to prevent them from getting in.
Gaps and easy entry points
Specialists said mice prefer the simplest routes into a house, slipping in through gaps under doors, garage doors, vents, pipe openings and other small holes. Mice need surprisingly little space to squeeze through. Experts advised installing a door sweep if the gap under a door exceeds about 6 millimetres, and sealing gaps around pipes with filler and caulk.
Warm, cosy hiding spots
Once inside, mice look for dark, warm places where they are hard to spot, such as behind kitchen cabinets, inside walls, or in air ducts. Signs of an infestation include a distinctive odour, noises in the walls or ventilation, and droppings or other traces of activity. Experts recommended acting quickly if these signs appear, since mice reproduce rapidly.
Open food and crumbs
Any accessible food gives mice a reason to stay, including spilled grains, open food packaging, pet food, birdseed and food scraps. To cut the risk of an infestation, experts recommended storing food in tightly sealed glass, metal or plastic containers. They also advised wiping down kitchen surfaces regularly, sweeping or vacuuming floors, washing dishes and taking out the rubbish promptly.
Cardboard and nesting materials
Mice can use old boxes, paper and certain insulation materials to build nests. This is especially risky when such materials pile up in pantries, garages or attics, since the more suitable hiding spots there are, the easier it is for rodents to establish themselves in a house.
Clutter around the house
It is not only the house itself that can attract mice but also the area surrounding it. Piles of rubbish, overgrown grass, shrubs and other sheltered spots near the foundation give rodents places to hide before they make their way inside in search of warmth. Experts recommended regularly clearing rubbish from around the house and keeping bushes and grass trimmed back.
Water and damp areas
Access to water is another factor that can draw mice in. Inside a home, sources of moisture can include leaking pipes and condensation under sinks. Outdoors, rodents can be drawn to standing water near the foundation, clogged gutters and bird baths. Experts advised fixing leaks, drying out damp areas, cleaning gutters regularly and avoiding standing water near the house.
Other household tips
Separately, cleaning experts have named 12 cleaning products that experienced cleaners say they never use at home, explaining which products they have given up and what they use instead. A plumber has also given advice on clearing a blocked kitchen sink, noting that if the pipe is not yet completely blocked, a simple home remedy can be worth trying first.
