Why mice are harder to keep out than rats
House mice slip through gaps around the pipes under the sink, behind the stove and dishwasher, under garage doors and through weep holes. They stay close to food, so the kitchen, pantry and garage are where they show up first.
They breed fast. A few mice in the fall can be a real problem by winter, which is why it pays to act at the first droppings.
Signs of mice
- Small droppings, about a quarter of an inch, in drawers or along walls
- Chewed food packaging in the pantry or garage
- Shredded paper or fabric used as nesting
- Light scratching inside walls or cabinets
- A musty smell in closed cabinets
What mouse control includes
- Inspection of the kitchen, garage, crawlspace and utility openings
- Traps placed along the walls and runs mice use
- Sealing of pipe gaps, door sweeps and garage door seals
- Follow-up visits to check the traps
- Tips on food storage that give mice less reason to stay