Signs of Mice in the Attic

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Mouse setting on wooden boards

One of the most frequently reported house pests, mice can get inside your home through your sewer system, cracks in your walls, basement, and attic, and even through cracked doors and windows. Once inside, they often hid between walls, in cupboards, or in the attic!

Learn how to identify signs of mouse infestations and what you can do to get rid of mice.

What Do Mice Look Like?

Mice are small rodents with brown or gray fur that are active mostly at night. They have long tails, big ears, and small eyes and are generally 5 1/2 to 7 inches in length (including their tail). Living for about 2 years, mice have litters of 3 to 12 babies (called "pups") several times a year, meaning that just a few mice can quickly turn into an infestation.

Mice are good jumpers and can climb walls, fitting through openings the size of a dime. Though these rodents generally live in fields and wood, many make their way into houses in houses and other buildings, especially in the winter, when in search of shelter, food, and water.

Are Mice Dangerous?

Although mice are not aggressive, they can be dangerous to humans as they pose a health risk. Mice can carry diseases, such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, which can be transferred through their urine or droppings. They are also known to bite when threatened, which can also transmit diseases.

Additionally, rodents are also known to chew on wood, shred insulation to use it as nesting material, and even gnaw on electrical wires, which can lead to house fires.

How Do Mice Get in the Attic?

Mice can get into your attic through your sewer system, cracks in your walls, basement, and attic, and even through cracked doors and windows. They can also enter through downspouts, leap onto your roof from tree branches, or climb up vines growing on the side of your house.

Attics are usually the first points of home entry for mice, and they like to stay there due to the warmth and protection of the space.

What Are Signs of Mice in the Attic?

You can tell if you have mice in your attic by the following signs:

  • If you hear scurrying sounds or scratching noises
  • If you see mouse droppings, which look like dark pieces of rice and typically measure 1/4″ long with have pointed ends
  • If you notice small puddles of rodent urine
  • Oily or grease marks caused by their bodies brushing against the walls along regular routes
  • If you see mouse hallways (1″ to 2″ deep) in your insulation
  • If you see small burrows
  • If you see notice gnaw or chew marks
  • If you see mouse nests made from paper, cloth, and similar materials
  • If you find alive or dead mice

How Do I Get Rid of Mice in the Attic?

DIY methods of getting rid of mice in your attic—such as setting snap traps using peanut butter as bait—can be an effective method to eliminate a handful of these rodents. However, if you continue to notice signs of mice, you need to call a professional pest control service as soon as you can. Rodents multiply quickly, and setting store-bought traps won't get rid of all of them if you have a full rodent infestation on your hands.

Prevent Mice in Your Attic

You can prevent mice from entering your attic by taking certain precautions:

  • Sealing any cracks or crevices that could give pests access to your attic
  • Regularly cleaning your attic space
  • Not storing food in your attic, and make sure any storage containers are securely sealed
  • Trimming trees and other foliage that mice could use to climb or jump on top of your roof

Mice like to hide in spaces that are dark, cluttered, and rarely disturbed, meaning the more you clean and declutter your attic, the lower the likelihood of a mouse infestation.

Contact Us Today

If you are looking for a mouse exterminator in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, contact Senate Termite and Pest Control today. We offer fast and efficient pest control services for mice in the attic, so contact us at 1-800-433-9409 or schedule an appointment online today.

FAQ About Mice

To help you notice the most obvious sings of a rodent infestation, here are some helpful insights.

Why Do Mice Hide in Attics?

Mice hide in attics and other quiet, undisturbed places, as they provide a warm, dry place to nest and give them easy access to a consistent water and food source.

What Do Mice In Your Attic Sound Like?

One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is hearing them in your ceiling, attic, or walls. You may hear their claws running around on the ceiling tiles, an occasional squeak, or gnawing sounds. Mice are nocturnal, meaning that most of these sounds can be heard at night.

Do Mice Stay In The Attic During The Day?

Mice are nocturnal, meaning that they are most active during the night, spending a large part of the day sleeping. But mice are always alert, meaning that anytime the house is quiet, mouse activity is possible.

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