The first sign of mice at home isn’t always a whiskered face darting across the kitchen floor. It might be a few dark droppings in a cupboard, a packet with suspicious little holes in it or scratching noises just as you’re trying to get to sleep. Not exactly what dreams are made of, more so the stuff of nightmares.
I’ve been chatting to friends, family and colleagues recently and it seems everyone knows someone who has recently discovered unwanted rodent residents in their homes. And in my own case, I’m the unlucky landlord to a family of not so friendly mice.
If it seems as though mice are turning up everywhere this autumn, the change in season may be part of the reason. I spoke to an expert to find out why so many of us are finding mice in our homes at the moment, as well as what to check, and how to make your home less inviting.
Why are mice on the rise right now?
As is the case with so many spikes in pest activity, the weather is often to blame. Ed Dolshun, vice president of business development and technical director at Catchmaster, says, ‘Mice don’t hibernate. They relocate. When temperatures drop and outdoor food dries up, they move inside, looking for warmth, food, water and shelter. Your house has all four.’
That can make autumn a familiar time for people to notice signs of mouse activity. But it doesn’t necessarily mean there are more mice than usual this year. ‘The pattern itself is nothing new. It happens every autumn, without fail,’ Ed says. Local conditions can make one year feel worse than another, he adds.
A kitchen might be where you spot the clues, but the source of the problem could be somewhere else. Ed says garages can become a food stop if bird seed or pet food is stored there, with mice then travelling into the house at night. Meaning if you suspect something, not only are you probably correct, but it's time to search the whole house for what could be enticing them in.
What attracts mice to a home?
Mice can make a meal of surprisingly small amounts of food. ‘Mice are nibblers. They eat 15 to 20 times a day, a little at each stop, so almost any food they can reach will do,’ Ed says.
That includes obvious sources such as cereal, grains and other pantry staples, as well as pet food left in a bowl, bird seed spilled beneath a feeder, food waste in an open bin and crumbs behind the cooker or under the sofa. Store open food in sturdy, sealed containers, clear up crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Shelter matters, too. Ed says cardboard, stored fabrics and undisturbed corners can give mice materials and quiet places to nest. Check cluttered cupboards and storage areas, as well as behind kitchen appliances and under sinks, for signs of activity.
What signs of mice should you look out for?
Droppings are a common clue. Ed describes mouse droppings as ‘small dark grains of rice with pointed ends, about 3 to 6mm long.’ You may also find gnaw marks on food packaging, shredded paper or fabric, or greasy smears along walls and pipes where mice repeatedly travel.
Mice are nocturnal, so scratching noises after dark may be another sign. If you find fresh droppings, make a note of where they are and check nearby cupboards, appliances and possible entry points. The kitchen may be where you notice the evidence, but, as Ed’s garage example suggests, it’s worth checking other places where food or nesting material is stored.
Expert tips for keeping mice out
Put food away. Seal opened packets in sturdy containers and wipe up crumbs as you go. Check the bin lid closes properly, and keep pet food and bird seed somewhere mice can’t reach.
Look beyond the kitchen. Check garages, cupboards, attics and storage areas for food, droppings or nesting material. If you keep bird seed or pet food in the garage, move it into a sealed container.
Check for gaps. Mice can squeeze through small openings around pipes, cables, doors, windows and the roofline. The pencil test can help you check for gaps you might overlook; once you’ve found a likely entry point, use a suitable mouse-resistant material to seal it. Don’t block air vents or air bricks, which need to stay clear for ventilation. Ask a pest-control expert or tradesperson for advice if a gap is large or awkward to seal.
Reduce hiding places. Clear out piles of cardboard and other clutter, particularly in quiet storage areas where mice could nest undisturbed.
Act on repeated signs. If you keep finding fresh droppings, hear continued scratching or see mice during the day, contact a pest-control professional. In a flat or shared building, let your landlord or building manager know, too, as mice could be entering through a shared wall or another part of the property.
Ed advises acting quickly: ‘A small problem gets big quickly.’ Removing food sources and closing entry points can help, but if signs persist, a professional can investigate where mice are getting in and recommend what to do next.