Mice can be really cute as pets…and really annoying as pests!
Sometimes, it seems like even the cleanest homes can somehow turn into mice magnets. This leaves residents with a simple question: “What am I doing that’s bringing mice into the house?”
We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover what attracts mice to your home and what mistakes you may make that keep them coming back!
7 Things That Attract Mice In Your House
Wondering what attracts mice to your home? Mice are resourceful pests that will happily sneak indoors if they find the right temptations. From easy food access to cozy hiding spots, here’s a rundown of what might be luring these unwanted guests into your space.
1. Unsealed Food Containers
Wondering what attracts mice? The number one answer is “food.”
It’s easy to assume your kitchen and pantry are secure if everything looks organized. But the devil is in the details. A slightly ajar container or an unsealed cereal bag can be all it takes to attract mice. House mice’s favorite food includes simple carbs, grains, and sugary snacks. They’re also drawn to foods with strong scents.
To avoid this problem, organize your pantry. Make sure everything is sealed tight: every bag, every box, and every bin. Anything left out or loosely stored becomes prime food that mice like to nibble on.
2. Bird Feeders
It’s tough to deny that birds are beautiful. And for many homeowners, looking at birds outside their window is a really fun activity.
When birds drop seeds to the ground or leave crumbs behind, mice see it as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Anything the birds don’t finish ends up scattered on the ground, making it prime food that mice like to eat.
And it’s not just bird feeders causing problems. Even fruit and nut trees can create a tempting spread for hungry rodents. Fallen produce left to rot is a huge mouse attractant. Before you know it, they’re scurrying around your yard, getting braver by the day. Check out this article to learn more about bird feeder maintenance.
3. Crumbs and Food Debris
If you have kids (or just messy eaters) in your family, then you know what it’s like to deal with crumbs. And crumbs are annoying because they are so hard to clean.
Many of us clean the table or counter and think we’ve taken care of all the crumbs. In reality, the crumbs often pool into carpets, rugs, or little corners where we can’t see them. And you guessed it: these crumbs attract mice. As far as they are concerned, your house is great because you just leave food all over the place.
You can fight this and avoid future rodent infestations by vacuuming up the crumbs and encouraging everyone to practice better kitchen hygiene.
4. Dark, Undisturbed Areas
Mice love dark, quiet places where they can build nests without being disturbed.
Basements, attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids are all prime real estate for mice. If you rarely visit these areas, they make the perfect hideouts for rodents.
Make it a habit to inspect the dark corners of your home regularly. And if you hear scratching or rustling sounds, it’s time to investigate.
5. Overflowing Trash Cans
Ever hear the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” For mice, this is pretty literal. Food scraps, greasy napkins, and spoiled leftovers are all incredibly tempting to mice. And it’s not just indoor trash cans that are the problem—outdoor bins can attract mice if not properly sealed.
What can you do to make sure your trash isn’t attracting mice? It’s a two-step process.
Start by taking your indoor trash out regularly. It’s not anyone’s favorite chore, but it’s a simple way to keep mice from sniffing around your home.
Next, keep your outdoor trash cans as far from the house as possible. Even if mice rummage through the outside bins, keeping them away from your home makes it less likely they’ll try sneaking inside. Take a look at these animal-proof garbage cans to keep mice and other pests away from your trash.
6. Pet Food Woes
Many of us have four-legged friends that we really love. This includes cats and dogs who have really healthy appetites. But their presence isn’t enough to send mice packing.
So, do mice eat dog and cat food? Absolutely. What attracts mice into your house often includes bowls of kibble left out overnight. Pet food left out is basically a buffet for hungry mice.
To avoid attracting mice, use automated feeders or only leave food out for short periods. Always store pet food in sealed containers to prevent unwanted visitors. The end result? Less of a pet food snack selection for hungry mice!
7. Leaving Food Out
Earlier, we talked about issues like crumbs and open containers with food in them. However, an even bigger problem is when food is left outright in the open.
Leaving food out in the open is practically an invitation for mice to raid your kitchen. Whether it’s a kid’s snack plate left out overnight or dishes with food remnants sitting in the sink, mice won’t hesitate to take advantage of an easy meal.
The solution? Keep things clean and tidy. Make sure everyone in the house, kids and adults alike, scrapes leftover food into the trash right away. Clear off counters, clean dishes promptly, and never leave food sitting out overnight.
8. Cracks and Openings
We’ve talked a lot about the kinds of things that can attract mice to your home. But have you ever wondered how they are actually getting into the house?
The typical answer is that your house has a “crack” problem. That means there are small cracks and openings in the walls that the mice can easily squeeze through. Remember, mice only need a hole the size of a dime to sneak into your home. Common entry points include:
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Cracks in your foundation or walls
- Openings around utility pipes or cables
The best way to solve this problem? Seal up every crack and crevice, and add weather stripping or door sweeps where needed. Eliminating these access points is one of the most effective ways to keep mice out of your house for good.
Mouse in Your House: The Bottom Line
Now you know more about what’s bringing mice into the house. But do you know who can help you get rid of them?
Here at Natura Pest Control, we specialize in every pest problem, including mice. To see how we can restore your home to order, contact us today!
