MOUSE IN THE HOUSE

Rustling walls, attic footsteps, or chewed food boxes may signal mice in your home. The non-native house mouse commonly lives near people, but native white-footed and deer mice may also enter buildings, especially during cold Illinois winters.

Mice are a nuisance and can spread viruses, bacteria, and allergens through urine and droppings. Urban growth and climate-driven landscape changes may worsen these problems. What can you do?

Signs of mice

Common signs include scratching, scurrying, or chewing in walls and ceilings, especially after dark or early morning. You may also find droppings, smell urine, see gnaw marks, or notice shredded paper, upholstery, or fabric used for nests. Mouse droppings resemble rice grains and are scattered, unlike bat droppings, which usually collect in one place.

Keep mice out! 

The best approach is prevention: make your home less inviting and harder to enter.

Make Your Home Less Inviting

Store food in sealed containers and inaccessible cabinets, and check for holes. Clean up crumbs, spills, dishes, and pet food. Use a tightly lidded trash can, fix leaking faucets, and remove open water containers overnight.

Because rodents avoid open spaces, trim vegetation and move debris away from exterior walls. Yard piles such as wood, bricks, or tires can shelter mice. If mice may be inside, remove bird feeders to avoid feeding them.

Seal possible entrances

Seal openings ½ inch or larger, especially in attics, basements, and crawlspaces where mice prefer dark, warm, quiet nesting sites. Repair window screens and add weather stripping, bristle strips, or door sweeps to exterior and garage doors.

Seal cracks and gaps, including those around pipes, with metal, steel wool, hardware cloth, putty, or expanding foam.

 Mice love cars, too! 

Mice can cause costly vehicle damage by chewing wires and tubes, tearing upholstery, and packing parts with nesting material. Signs include droppings, odor, visible damage, or mechanical failure. As at home, reduce access and remove food.

·         Drive often; frequent movement discourages nesting and may be the most effective prevention.

·         Park away from food sources and nesting materials; use a sealed garage when possible.

·         Keep the car free of food and wrappers.

Mice seek food and shelter, so keep both out of your home.