As temperatures drop, homeowners often wonder about mouse activity. Contrary to a common misconception, mice do not hibernate; they remain active throughout the colder months.
Mouse Activity During Colder Months
Mice maintain activity levels in winter similar to other times of the year. Unlike hibernating animals, mice continue foraging for food and seeking shelter. Their metabolic rate increases significantly in colder temperatures to maintain body heat. This heightened metabolic demand drives them to constantly seek sufficient food sources.
During extreme cold, mice can enter torpor, a short-term, hibernation-like state. In this state, their body temperature and metabolic rate slow to conserve energy when food is scarce. This is a temporary measure, and they will become active again to find resources. Their small size makes them more susceptible to cold, prompting them to find insulated spaces.
Why Mice Seek Indoor Shelter
As outdoor temperatures decrease, mice actively search for warmer, more secure environments. Homes provide an ideal refuge, offering warmth, readily available food, and sheltered nesting sites. They are less tolerant of cold temperatures than larger rodents, making indoor spaces particularly appealing. Human structures present a reliable source of warmth and sustenance when outdoor resources become limited.
Homes offer a consistent supply of food, such as crumbs, stored grains, and pet food, which becomes scarce outdoors in winter. Mice are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, consuming almost anything available, including seeds, fruits, and insects. They also need water, which they can obtain from sources like leaky pipes or the moisture in their food. Houses also provide safe havens from predators and materials for building nests, such as insulation and fabric.
Identifying a Mouse Presence
Several indicators can reveal a mouse presence. Droppings, small, dark, and pellet-like, are often found along baseboards, in cabinets, or near food sources. Gnaw marks on food packaging, wooden structures, or utility lines also suggest mouse activity, as their teeth continuously grow, requiring them to chew. Nesting materials, such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation, may also be found in secluded areas like attics or wall voids.
Unusual noises, such as scratching, rustling, or scurrying from walls, ceilings, or attics at night, indicate mice moving. Being nocturnal, these sounds are more noticeable in the evening. A distinct, musky odor, often stale or ammonia-like, can also signal a mouse infestation, especially in enclosed spaces.
Keeping Mice Out
Preventing mice from entering a home involves sealing entry points and eliminating attractants. Inspect the house exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around foundations, utility lines, and pipes, as mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Seal these gaps with steel wool, caulk, or mesh. Ensure window and door screens are intact and weather stripping is in good condition.
Managing food sources is another effective deterrent. Store all food, including pet food, in airtight plastic or metal containers. Regularly clean crumbs and spills, avoiding dirty dishes overnight. Secure indoor and outdoor garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Reducing clutter, especially in basements and attics, removes potential hiding and nesting spots, making the environment less appealing.