Why mice seek indoor shelter in colder months
As temperatures drop, mice start searching for warmth, food, and safety, and your home checks every box.
Garages, basements, and pantries make perfect shelters for rodents through the winter.
A single mouse might not seem like a big deal, but they multiply quickly. A small problem in November can turn into a full infestation by January if not addressed early.
Signs that a mouse is inside your home
Mice are small and quick, so you might not see them, but you’ll notice the signs:
- Tiny black droppings in corners, under sinks, or in drawers
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
- Chewed food packaging or gnaw marks on wires and furniture
- A faint musky smell in certain areas
If you’re seeing even one or two of these, it’s time to act fast.
Step 1: Find and seal entry points
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime.
Inspect around your foundation, garage doors, and utility lines for gaps or cracks.
Seal them using steel wool and spray foam, or for larger holes, use metal mesh that can’t be chewed through.
Step 2: Set traps and bait stations
Use snap traps, live traps, or tamper-proof bait stations along walls and behind appliances — anywhere you’ve seen droppings or activity.
Place traps perpendicular to the wall with the baited end facing the wall.
Peanut butter or chocolate are effective baits that attract mice quickly.
If you have pets or children, use locked bait stations or traps placed safely out of reach.
Step 3: Clean up droppings and contaminated areas
Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mouse droppings.
Spray the area with disinfectant before wiping — never vacuum or sweep droppings dry, as this can release particles into the air.
Dispose of all cleaning materials in a sealed bag.
Step 4: When to call in professionals
If you’re still seeing signs after a few days, there may be more mice hidden behind walls.
Professional technicians use licensed baits, traps, and exclusion materials that target rodents safely and effectively — and help identify how they got in.
How to prevent mice from coming back
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, prevention keeps it from happening again:
- Store all food (including pet food) in sealed containers.
- Keep garage and pantry floors clear of clutter.
- Regularly inspect for new gaps or chew marks.
- Schedule seasonal pest control to maintain results year-round.
👉 Contact Avayda Pest Control for rodent control that’s safe, fast, and guaranteed.
If the pests come back, so do we.
– The Avayda Pest Control Team 🏠🇨🇦
