The reasons why you don’t want mice in your home are basically common knowledge. They’re a health threat and are capable of reproducing at a stunning speed. You’ll barely notice you have a couple of them in your basement, and there will already be a dozen mice roaming around. Fall is the time mice particularly target homes for numerous reasons. The weather changes make their natural habitats less hospitable, and human homes are attractive to them once the heating season starts and everyone stocks up on food to reduce trips to the grocery store. One neglected crack in your walls and you could be on the way to having a mice infestation in your home.

Field mouse found near a home.

Why Mice Invade Homes During the Fall

Potential food sources and heat coming from your home will draw mice to exploit every single weak spot to get inside. They’ll try getting through open doors and windows, but also pipes and vents. They’ll chew through tiny holes in your walls and wooden framing to create holes large enough to pass through. They’ll do the same with your roof and in your basement. Unbeknownst to you, some of your own bad habits could be inviting mice into your home. Here are some of them:

Not emptying your trash cans. Organic matter is the first thing that draws mice, and trash cans spread a strong odor that mice detect from afar. If you aren’t regularly emptying your trash cans and keeping them clean, there’s no mystery to why you’re suddenly seeing mice feces around them.

Neglecting your landscape. Piled up leaves, construction material build-up, overgrown bushes and other small things that otherwise make a “messy” yard a great hiding spot for mice. If you haven’t been routinely clearing out your landscape, mice have used it to move around your property undetected.

Not completing seasonal repairs. Every home needs to be checked for cracks, decayed and rotten infrastructure seasonally. This ensures that the contrast in temperature won’t lead to further damage. Fall brings cooler temperatures, more wind, and rain. If there are any neglected damages to your home, increased moisture and lower temperature will only make them worse, making it easier for mice enter.

A litter of rat babies discovered in basement insulation.

Neglecting pest prevention. Expert pest control companies in your area are more than qualified to install preventive measures against mice and other pests. They possess the skills and tools to screen major openings in your home like vents and chimneys and to seal all noticeable cracks. If you’ve considered having a pest control company inspect your Milwaukee home for mice and other intruders, now is the time to call.

Not cleaning up. Both the exterior and the interior of the home require cleaning and maintenance to keep the pests, including mice, away. You need to remove sources of food and standing water, such as rain barrels and pet food dishes.

Need Help With Keeping Mice Under Control? Skedaddle Milwaukee Has a Solution

Professional have the skill and knowledge to make all adjustments for pest prevention. Instead of making semi-useful changes and hoping for the best, have an expert inspect your property and suggest improvements. Skedaddle Milwaukee is the premier choice for humane mice control for your home and property.