‘Tis The Season For Mice In The Attic

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, many Midwest families are decorating their homes, baking treats, and preparing for the celebrations that come with Christmas. However, amidst the tinsel and twinkling lights, some homeowners may find themselves dealing with unexpected guests—mice in the attic. In this article, we will explore how these small rodents find their way into homes, where they hide in attics, and how to identify a mouse problem during this most wonderful time of the year.

How mice make their way into attics

Mice often enter homes in search of warmth, shelter, and, unfortunately, a steady supply of food. During the winter months, attics become appealing refuges for mice seeking relief from the cold temperatures outdoors, and since they’re quite resourceful and only need an opening about the size of a dime, it’s rather easy for them to find their way in.

Common entry points for mice include:

• Gaps around utility lines
• Openings in the roofline
• Poorly sealed vents
• Gaps around doors and windows

Attic access can also be gained through overhanging tree branches or via climbing vines. It should also be noted that mice may enter on a lower level and crawl their way up to the attic through wall voids.

Where mice hide in attics

Once inside the attic, mice are adept at finding cozy nooks and crannies to establish their nests. Insulation provides an excellent hiding place, as it not only offers warmth, but also serves as a material for constructing their nests. Mice may also seek shelter inside or near stored items, such as boxes of holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and other belongings which are often tucked away for future use.

Detecting a mouse problem

Mice are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active during the night and tend to keep a low profile during the daylight hours. That means homeowners may not immediately notice their presence until the infestation grows. Eventually, signs of a mouse problem will become more apparent.

If you’re worried that mice have infested your attic and are running around your home, here are some signs to watch out for:

• Nocturnal noises
  When mice are in residence, it’s common to hear squeaking, scratching, and scurrying noises coming from the walls, ceiling, and in the attic. As mentioned above, mice are most active when the rest of the house is asleep, so homeowners are more likely to hear these sounds at night.
• Mouse droppings
  Mouse droppings are small, pellet-like, and can often be found along their regular pathways. Keep an eye out for droppings in your attic, garage, basement, crawlspace, pantry, under the kitchen sink, in cabinets, and under or behind kitchen appliances.
• Gnaw marks
  Like rats and other rodents, mice have a constant need to gnaw to keep their teeth in check. Look for gnaw marks/chew marks on electrical wires, cardboard, and other personal belongings as well as upholstered furniture.
• Mouse Nests
  Mouse nests are typically made from insulation, fabric, paper, and other shredded materials they steal from unsuspecting homeowners. Check attic insulation, corners, and storage areas for their nests.

What to do if you find mice or signs of these rodents in your home this holiday season

If you suspect that your home has been infested by mice or other rodents, contact Miller Pest & Termite for relief! Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been offering 100% satisfaction guaranteed rodent control in Des Moines, Kansas City, and Omaha as well as throughout our multi-state service area since 2001; you can count on our team of pest control specialists to get rid of mice.

Here's what you can expect when you choose our exterminating pros:

• A comprehensive rodent inspection
• A customized rodent control plan for your home
• An initial rodent trapping/clean out
• Rodent population management
• Exclusion services to prevent reinfestation

Ongoing home pest control services that target insects & rodents

For greater protection against mice (and rats), we recommend signing up for our Miller Guard plan. Not only does Miller Guard target mice, but it also exterminates rats and other house-infesting insects as well! Check out our home pest control plan benefits below, or simply give us a shout to learn more.

Don’t forget to nominate a family for a pest-free Christmas!

Here at Miller Pest & Termite, we are on a mission to bring more than just jolly vibes this Christmas season – we want to help families “Put Those PESTS to REST”. If you know of a family that could use a little extra holiday cheer, nominate them today for a complimentary pest service!

We’ll be accepting entries until Friday, December 22^nd.