Mice are some of the most common household pests, with an estimated 21 million homes in the United States encountering a mouse problem at some point.
Even if you’re not particularly scared of mice or actually find them to be quite cute, you definitely DON’T want mice in your home. Not only are these pests tricky to get rid of, but they are known to carry and spread a number of diseases that can be harmful to both humans and pets.
When mice infest a home, one of the main places they like to hide and scurry around is in the walls. If you suspect there might be mice in your walls, here is everything you need to know to protect you and your family from these bothersome pests.
Signs of Mice in Your Walls
There are several telltale signs that you may have mice in your walls, including:
- Strange sounds coming from inside the walls
- Rodent droppings in the house, especially in the kitchen
- Rodent nests found around the home, often made of random materials
- A strong, musty odor
- Gnaw marks on furniture, baseboards, and wires
- Grease marks on surfaces around the home
If you notice any of these signs of a mouse infestation in your home, it is important that you contact an exterminator immediately to have your home inspected and treated.
How Do Mice Get Into Walls?
Mice can make their way into your wall in a variety of different ways, often through cracks and crevices. Older homes are more susceptible to a mouse infestation, as there are often more cracks and gaps that allow mice and other pests to enter the home.
Mice can also get into your walls by crawling through utility pipes and roof vents, as well as even sinks or bathtub drains. If you have an older home, talk to an exterminator about ways to protect your home from future infestations through preventative measures and ongoing pest control treatment.
What Attracts Mice and Rodents to Your Home
Rodents are attracted to places where they can find food, water, and shelter from the elements, which is why they frequently invade residential homes.
While seeing a mouse in your home is not automatically indicative of your home being dirty or messy, there are a few things that can make your home more susceptible to a rodent infestation.
Leaky pipes and faucets can make you more likely to encounter a mouse infestation, as well as a cluttered or dirty kitchen with food that isn’t stored properly or garbage that is overflowing. Yards with overgrown grass and foliage may also be more appealing for mice, as these conditions give them more places to hide and take shelter.
How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Walls
If you find yourself dealing with mice in your walls, the first thing you will want to do is contact an exterminator to have the problem taken care of immediately. However, there are a few things you can do in the meantime.
First, try to locate the access point used for the mice to enter your walls in the first place. Once you find the hole or gap, you can fill it with steel wool or caulk to prevent more mice from entering.
Some homeowners may also choose to set up store-bought mouse traps around the house to catch any mice that may be scurrying around. After your exterminator arrives, they will perform a thorough inspection of your home and begin a treatment plan to effectively kill all of the mice in your walls.
What Other Pests Can Be in My Walls?
Other household pests, such as carpenter ants, bed bugs, and squirrels, can also infest the walls of a home. Your exterminator will be able to perform a thorough inspection of the home and determine if it’s mice you’re dealing with, or if there is another type of pest present in your home.
When to Call an Exterminator for Mice in Your Walls
If you suspect a mouse infestation in your home, you should contact an exterminator immediately. A mouse infestation is not something to take lightly, as these pests reproduce quickly and a small infestation can easily grow into a larger one if not dealt with promptly.
An experienced exterminator will be able to inspect your home to determine the severity of the infestation and recommend a plan of action to quickly target and kill the mice in your home.
FAQs
Can mice in walls cause structural damage?
Yes, having mice in your walls can cause structural damage to your home. Mice are known to gnaw on wood, which can wear away at the structural integrity of your home over time. These pests are also known to chew through wiring, which can be dangerous and end up costing homeowners hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repairs.
Are mice in walls a health hazard?
The presence of mice in your home can be a major health hazard, as mice are known to carry and spread a number of diseases. These include listeria, hantavirus, and plague.
How can I prevent mice from getting into my walls?
The good news is there are many ways to prevent mice from getting into your walls in the first place. The best thing you can do to prevent mice from getting into your walls is to seal any cracks or crevices with a caulk or sealant.
You can also opt to use steel wool to close any holes in the wall. You should also practice general cleanliness in the house and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink and be sure to properly seal and store all food and drinks. Maintaining the grass and foliage on your property can also help prevent mice from entering your home.
