Have you seen a mouse in your home or heard a sound that you suspect is coming from a mouse? If so, you're likely to have questions. While mice are well-known rodents, they have mysterious behavior patterns and can hide in places you can't check, like inside your walls. Today, we're going to answer a few common questions and explore the question: Do mice ever go away? We'll discuss why they want to live with you, what you can do to convince them to go away, and what pest professionals do to keep mice out.
Have you seen a mouse in your home or heard a sound that you suspect is coming from a mouse? If so, you're likely to have questions. While mice are well-known rodents, they have mysterious behavior patterns and can hide in places you can't check, like inside your walls. Today, we're going to answer a few common questions and explore the question: Do mice ever go away? We'll discuss why they want to live with you, what you can do to convince them to go away, and what pest professionals do to keep mice out.
The nature of a mouse infestation
Mice get into your home for one reason. Sure, they'll find other reasons once they get inside, but the initial reason is that your home offers a place to live. You might not know this, but your home can look like a nesting location to a mouse. Mice live in tree cavities. A gap in structural wood that leads to a wall cavity is inviting to a mouse. Mice also live in rock piles. A gap around your utilities may invite a mouse indoors.
Once inside, a mouse finds a safe habitat. It doesn't have to worry about predators, and it can feed on the scraps you give it. If a mouse finds food in your home, it can stay permanently and is motivated to do so. It won't want to go away unless you force it to leave.
How do you make mice go away?
Obviously, removing food options is one way. If you keep your kitchen and pantry clean and make a rule that food is only eaten in your kitchen or dining room, you can maintain a home that is clean enough to drive mice out.
Sanitation will only get you part of the way. You'll also have to protect your food. Store packaged items in sealed containers, including dry dog or cat food. Doing so will keep mice out of your food and force them to find a meal outdoors.
Why do mice keep coming back?
If you notice that you have mice during the winter, but they seem to go away in the spring, it has nothing to do with the food available in your home. As we pointed out, they don't get into your home for the food. Finding available food is the reason they don't go away, not the reason they get in. If they keep going away and coming back, it has to do with available entry points and exterior conditions that are favorable for mouse activity.
How do you keep mice out?
We'll start by saying that it isn't easy. A full-grown adult mouse can fit through a hole that is just about the size of a dime. If it can get its head through, it can squeeze the rest of its body through as well. Here are a few common points of entry to consider.
- Replace your weatherstripping and make sure your exterior doors have good seals.
- Fill in wood cavities with a sealant product.
- Patch any gaps around plumbing and wires.
- Seal cracks in your foundation wall.
- Repair rips in your screens and damaged window panes.
- Cover your downspouts so mice can't climb up to your roof.
- Cut tree branches that touch your roof.
These tips will get you started with your rodent-proofing. If you need help finding potential entry points, contact Miller Pest & Termite for a pest inspection. We can help you figure out how those critters might be getting in!
The easy way to keep mice out
You’ve probably figured out by now that mice won’t go away unless forced to do so. And that’s where our local pest control company can help! When you have a year-round home pest control plan, you don't have to worry about a compounding mouse problem or work so hard to keep mice out of your home. Our team of pest control specialists give you the support you need to keep your home rodent-free all year round.
- We perform routine inspections and search for signs of activity.
- We apply rodent exclusions, traps, or bait to manage populations and keep rodents out
- We offer advice to help you understand why mice continue to cause trouble for you.
Whether you need a rodent exterminator or proactive rodent control, your Miller Pest & Termite team can help. Check our service area page to find out if you're in our service area or give us a call. We provide industry-leading solutions in Omaha, Kansas City, and Des Moines as well as throughout the Midwest.
When you contact us, ask about Miller Guard. This residential pest control plan is a great way to get started with rodent and general pest control for your home.
Ongoing Home Pest Control Recommendation
Miller Guard
Our signature Miller Guard pest control plan is designed to eliminate and prevent insect and rodent problems by targeting pest entry and exit points for maximum effectiveness. It includes an initial premium interior application, exterior applications, web removal, and wasp nest removal.
- Service Every Other Month*
- 29 Pests & Services Covered
- Initial Premium Interior Application
- Exterior Applications
- Insect & Rodent Control
- Year-Round Protection
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Starting at:
$4999A Month
Free Quote Or Call (515) 518-8864
Additional Miller Guard Details
Pests Covered: Asian Beetles, Boxelder Bugs, Carpenter Ants, Carpet Beetles, Centipedes, Earwigs, Fleas, Fruit Flies, Grain Beetles, Hornets, House Ants, Indian Meal Moths, Mice, Millipedes, Pill Bugs, Rats, Roaches**, Silverfish, Spiders***, Stink Bugs, Wasps, Weevils, Yellow Jackets
- Pricing does not include initial fee
- 1-year service commitment
- Must have credit card on file
*Not including Jan/Feb
**American, German & Oriental
*** Venomous & Non-venomous
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