House mice are common household visitors, and their presence is often first revealed by the subtle sounds they create. An auditory cue is frequently the first indication of their infiltration. Understanding these noises helps identify their presence and assess their activity within a home, allowing for timely intervention.
The Vocal Repertoire of Mice
Mice produce a range of vocalizations, some audible to humans, others beyond our hearing. The characteristic squeak is a high-pitched sound heard when mice communicate, express emotion, or are in distress. Squeaks vary in pitch and frequency, becoming louder when they locate food or faster during mating interactions. A mouse might emit louder, more frequent squeaks if trapped, injured, or cornered.
Beyond audible squeaks, mice communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in the 30 to 120 kHz range, above human hearing. USVs are crucial for social contexts, including pup separation calls that elicit maternal retrieval. Adult mice use USVs for courtship, territorial disputes, and social interactions, primarily to facilitate or inhibit these interactions.
Sounds of Mouse Activity
Beyond vocalizations, mice create distinct sounds through their movements. Scurrying or scampering is a common sound, characterized by rapid, light, and intermittent footsteps. These sounds occur as mice move across surfaces like floors, inside walls, or along baseboards, and are most noticeable at night. The light, quick nature of these sounds helps differentiate them from the heavier footsteps of larger rodents.
Mice gnaw to trim their continuously growing incisors, producing high-pitched, repetitive chewing or grinding sounds. They chew on various materials, including wood, plastic, electrical wiring, and drywall, which can indicate potential damage to a home’s structure or utilities. Scratching noises accompany their movements, as their claws grip surfaces while climbing, foraging, or pulling materials for nesting. These light, repetitive scratching sounds are frequently heard within walls, ceilings, or under floorboards.
What Mouse Sounds Reveal
Any mouse sound, vocal or activity-based, indicates their presence. These sounds are often the earliest signs of a potential infestation. Since mice are nocturnal, most sounds are heard during nighttime hours, particularly shortly after sunset and before sunrise when they are most active. Consistent sounds at specific times or locations might suggest established travel routes or nesting sites.
While mouse sounds can be subtle, they offer clues about their behavior, such as foraging patterns or the presence of young. Distinguishing mouse sounds from other household pests or structural noises is also possible. Mouse scurrying is lighter and more erratic than the heavier thumping of rats or the daytime activity of squirrels. Mouse gnawing is higher-pitched and more repetitive compared to the lower-pitched crunching of insects or the slower grinding of rats. If sounds persist, it suggests an active presence that warrants further investigation.