Are Mice Worse In The Fall?

Ah, the Midwest in the fall - a time of crisp air, colorful foliage, and pumpkin-spiced everything. But there's a less delightful aspect of this season that many homeowners in the region must contend with: mice. Yes, those small rodents seem to be more prevalent during the fall months in Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha, as well as across the Midwest, and there are good reasons for it. In this article, we'll explore why mice are at their worst during this time of year, and more importantly, what you should do if you find these unwanted houseguests making themselves comfortable inside your home.

Why fall is mouse season in the Midwest

Although mice and other rodents are active all year long, the fall season does usher in certain factors that make it prime time for mice to sneak indoors. Let’s take a closer look at what causes the uptick in mouse activity this time of year:

• Dropping temperatures
  When the temperatures begin to drop during the fall, mice will start searching for shelter that protects against the cold and wintry weather soon to follow. Your house, with its lovely heating system, is an attractive option.
• Dwindling food supply
  Although mice will eat just about anything they can find, their natural food sources, such as seeds and insects, start to dwindle as fall progresses. This scarcity drives them indoors in search of human food stores.
• They’re still reproducing
  While it’s true mice often breed in the spring, another peak in breeding occurs when temperatures start to cool, usually in September. Since they have a short breeding cycle, it doesn’t take long for a mouse population to increase. What’s more, mice can and will reproduce indoors under the right conditions.

What to do if you find mice in your home this fall

Anytime you have a rodent problem in your home, there’s cause for concern. Rather than panic though, simply reach out to a licensed pest control company that specializes in rodent control. Here at Miller Pest & Termite, we’re already receiving calls from homeowners who have found live and dead mice in their homes, smell something funky coming from the walls, or have discovered droppings; our local pest control experts are ready to help you eliminate mice – completely!

How Miller gets rid of mice

When you reach out to miller for help getting rid of mice (or rats), we’ll send a pest control pro out to perform a rodent inspection. During the inspection, we will confirm the presence of rodents, identify potential entry points, and find out why your property is attracting these destructive pests. Once we’ve completed our inspection, we will develop a customized rodent control plan that might include:

• Setting traps indoors to catch mice already active inside your home
• Rodent-proofing your home to stop rodents from entering
• Installing exterior rodent bait stations to manage the rodent population in your yard

During your rodent control service, your pest control specialist will point out anything that could be contributing to your rodent problem. For example, a gap under your garage door, a hole in your roofline, or a woodpile too close to the structure.

For year-round protection from mice, sign up for ongoing home pest control

In addition to our stand-alone rodent control services, Miller also offers home pest control plans that target rodents and other house-infesting pests such as spiders, cockroaches, and ants. Compare our residential plans below and sign up online. You can also reach out via phone if you have questions or would prefer to talk with one of our friendly customer service representatives.

Reach out at the first sign of a mouse in the house!

While fall may be the worse time for dealing with mice in our region, it doesn’t have to cause unnecessary stress. By understanding what factors drive mice indoors and knowing what to do if you suspect a mouse infestation (hint – contact Miller!), you can enjoy the fall season without unwanted houseguests.