What to Do When Mice Move Indoors

As the weather cools and food sources outside become scarce mice will start to look for warm sheltered places to nest and unfortunately, your home is often an ideal target. While a single mouse might not seem like a big problem, infestations can grow quickly, causing damage to your home and posing health risks to your family. Knowing the signs early and acting fast can prevent a small issue from turning into a costly headache.

When and Why Mice Move Indoors

Mice are opportunistic, and they tend to move inside when outdoor conditions become less favourable. Here are some of the most common times you’ll find mice moving indoors.

Fall and Winter – As temperatures drop, mice look for warmth and easy access to food. Heated homes and garages are prime shelters.

After Heavy Rain or Snow – Flooded burrows or saturated soil can force mice to seek drier ground indoors.

Food Scarcity – When gardens, fields, or outdoor food sources are scarce, mice follow their nose and turn to pantries and kitchens indoors.

In short, whenever conditions outside are harsh or resources are limited, your home becomes an attractive refuge for mice.

Signs That You Have Mice in Your Home

Mice are nocturnal and skilled at staying out of sight, but they leave behind clues, so keep an eye out for the following:

  • Droppings: Small, dark, rice-shaped droppings near cupboards, under sinks, or along baseboards.
  • Gnaw Marks: Fresh bite marks on food packaging, wires, or wood.
  • Scratching Sounds: Especially at night, coming from behind walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • Nests: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric tucked away and hidden in corners.
  • Grease Marks: Oily streaks along walls or floorboards from their bodies rubbing against surfaces.

If you notice even one of these signs, it’s time to act. If you need help with rodent control, call Westfort Pest Control.

How Mouse Problems Can Balloon into Bigger Issues

Mice reproduce at an alarming rate. A single pair can produce dozens of offspring in just one year. What starts as a few droppings in the kitchen can quickly snowball into larger issues.

Widespread Contamination – Mice contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine.

Property Damage – Chewed wires can create a fire hazard, mice can also damage insulation, and gnaw furniture.

Health Concerns – Mice can carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus.

Persistent Infestations – Once established, mice are incredibly difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Left unchecked, the situation can spiral far beyond a nuisance — it becomes a serious risk to your health and home.

How to Test for Mice Indoors

If you suspect mice are in your home but you aren’t sure, we have a few checks we recommend.

  1. Flour or Baby Powder Test – Sprinkle a thin layer along baseboards or near suspected entry points. Check for small tracks the next day.
  1. Noise Check – Sit quietly at night when mice are most active and listen for scratching or squeaking. Cats and dogs can be especially helpful in identifying noise as well.
  2. Bait Test – Place a small piece of food (like peanut butter) in a suspected area and see if it disappears overnight.

Call Westfort Pest Control for Mice Infestations

While traps and store-bought baits can sometimes catch a mouse or two, they rarely solve the root problem. If you notice ongoing signs of mice, or if your own efforts aren’t keeping up, it’s best to call in professionals. At Westfort Pest Control, our team has the expertise, tools, and experience to identify entry points, safely eliminate infestations, and help you keep mice from coming back.

Don’t let a small mouse problem turn into a major infestation.

Contact Westfort Pest Control for a free quote and protect your home from unwanted guests.