What Do Mice Do in Winter?

No one likes being cold. We all want to be somewhere warm and toasty during frigid Long Island winters. Unfortunately, humans are not alone in this desire.

Mice and other rodents are also looking for somewhere warm to stay until the mercury climbs again. These uninvited guests have a bad habit of taking up residence in our homes and businesses. Understanding rodent behavior is key to eliminating them – or preventing them from coming inside in the first place.

Do Mice Hide Inside Homes During the Winter?

Mice and other rodents may live in homes at any time of the year, but they are more likely to come indoors seeking shelter when temperatures drop. In addition to residential areas, look for signs of mice in other enclosed areas – like garages, sheds, pool houses, stables, or other outbuildings.

Can Mice Survive Outside in the Winter?

Long Island’s East End is home to several mouse species – the house mouse, the white-footed mouse, and the meadow jumping mouse. While some of these mice may be able to survive an East End winter by burrowing into woodpiles, plant matter, or even under piles of snow… most mice function best in warm temperatures. This compels these adaptable pests to seek shelter indoors.

Is It Normal to Have Mice in Winter?

It is normal for mice to come indoors during the winter. But, just because it’s normal, that does not mean it’s acceptable. Mice carry potentially life-threatening diseases, and they can damage (or even destroy) your home.

A mouse infestation is a health hazard. Rats and mice carry diseases that can be spread through direct contact or through their saliva, feces, or urine. Hantavirus is a dangerous disease that attacks the lungs and is spread through inhaling particles from rodent droppings or urine. Rodents also aggravate allergies and other respiratory illnesses.

Mice are prolific chewers, with teeth that never stop growing and need to be ground down constantly. They will chew through nearly any building material – including electrical wiring, which is a common cause of house fires.

How Do You Get Rid of Mice in Winter?

If you detect signs of mice in your home, business, or outbuildings, you will need to determine where they are coming in and how best to seal off their access. Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small holes. So, a thorough search from the top to the bottom of your property is crucial.

While you can attempt to trap rodents yourself, there is no substitute for a trained pest control professional when it comes to eliminating and excluding rodents. Twin Forks Pest Control® can determine where mice are entering your home, eliminate an existing infestation, and prevent them from returning.

Twin Forks Pest Control® Eliminates Rodents Year-Round

Mice and other rodents are year-round pests in East End residences and businesses. We have been eliminating rodents with state-of-the-art methods for over two decades, and you can count on us to manage your rodent problem quickly and safely. At the first sign of mice or rats in your home or on your property, contact us for a free removal estimate. Reach out online, or call (631) 324-9020 in Easthampton, (631) 287-9020 in Southampton, or (631) 298-0500 in Southold.