Spring is the season of renewal, and it’s not just plants and animals that come to life when the weather warms up. Increased mouse activity is a predictable part of the season as these creatures begin scouting for warm nesting areas and readily available food sources. But how do mice get in a house, how many mice live in a nest, and why do mice come into homes in the first place? As wildlife control experts at Skedaddle, we’ve seen it all and are here to guide you in preparing your home to prevent unwanted intrusions this spring.

Why Do Mice Come Into Ottawa Homes in the Spring?

Spring marks a shift in mouse behaviour. During winter, they seek refuge indoors, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, or attics, where they can stay warm and build nests. When spring arrives, they become more active as they leave these hidden spaces to forage for food and scout out better places to multiply. The abundance of food and water that comes with warmer weather makes your home an appealing destination. Warmth, available nesting materials, and access to food drive them inside, transforming your property into their ideal habitat.

Small openings in your home’s exterior provide easy access for mice, and they can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.

• Common entry points include:
  • Gaps around utility lines
  • Weep vents
  • Poorly sealed doors
  • Cracks in the foundation
• Once inside, they establish nests in quiet, undisturbed areas such as:
  • Behind walls
  • Under appliances
  • In your insulation

The real issue begins when mice multiply. Female mice can reproduce every 21 days, with each litter consisting of six to eight pups on average. This swift reproduction cycle means that what starts as a single mouse sighting can transform into a full-blown infestation in just a few months. Ignoring early signs of activity increases the risk of significant damage to your property, along with potential health hazards from droppings and urine. Simply put, spring is when vigilance is most critical.

How Do Mice Get in a House, and What Are They After?

Mice are resourceful and determined when it comes to infiltrating homes. Their small size and flexible skeletons allow them to enter through a wide variety of entry points. Gaps in brick weep vents, unsealed utility lines, damaged weather stripping, or open garage doors can all become highways that lead these creatures into your living spaces.

Once inside, they search for three basic essentials: 

• food
• water 
• shelter

Mice are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means almost any food source is fair game. Pantry items like cereal, grains, and pet food attract them instantly. Even crumbs on your counters or residue in your trash bags can lure them in. Water sources like leaking faucets, pet water bowls, or condensation from appliances also invite them to stay. Finally, their nesting instincts lead them to tear apart materials like insulation, cardboard, or fabric to build their nests.

Mice are social creatures, often living together in nests that can house upwards of 10 to 15 individuals in ideal conditions. By the time you spot a mouse scurrying across your kitchen floor, you could already have a family of them living behind your walls. Understanding how they get in and what attracts them is crucial to keeping them out and ensuring your home remains mouse-free this spring.

How Many Mice Live in a Nest, and Why You Must Act Quickly

The sheer growth potential of a mouse infestation can be staggering. On average, a mouse nest holds anywhere between 10 to 15 mice, but this number can fluctuate depending on available resources. Female mice are exceptionally productive breeders, with the ability to reproduce at just six weeks old. Each female can birth a litter every three weeks, resulting in dozens of offspring over the course of just a few months.

A single nest can quickly grow into a colony if left unchecked, particularly during the spring when resources are plentiful. Mice living in groups often stay close to their source of food and water, rarely venturing far from their nests. This is why infestations often seem localized to certain areas of the home, such as the kitchen, basement, or attic.

Delayed action allows the problem to cascade. With each successive generation, the population grows exponentially. This not only increases the risk of property damage but also health risks. Mouse droppings can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that contaminate food surfaces and increase the risk of diseases like Salmonellosis and Leptospirosis. Without intervention, the colony spreads further into walls, ceilings, and insulation, making eradication more challenging and costly. Acting immediately when signs of mice are detected is critical to minimizing damage and safeguarding your home.

Steps to Prevent Spring Infestations

Taking preventative measures ahead of spring’s increased activity is the best way to keep mice out of your home. Every mouse problem begins with an entry point, making it vital to identify and secure vulnerabilities around your home. Start with a detailed inspection of your property, focusing on gaps and openings as small as 6 millimetres. You may find these near weep vents, under doors, or around your home’s foundation.

Sealing these entry points is invaluable. Use heavy-duty materials like steel wool or sealant to cover gaps, as these deter mice from chewing through. Pay attention to common areas like utility line openings or damaged weather stripping on doors. Remember, mice are incredible climbers, so sealing roofline openings and vents is equally important.

Once the entry points are addressed, reduce attractants inside your home. Store food in airtight containers, regularly clean crumbs from counters and floors, and manage trash effectively. Leaking faucets or standing water should be fixed immediately to deny mice access to hydration. Keep nesting materials like cardboard boxes or piles of paper out of accessible areas. A clean and organized space is less inviting for nesting and food foraging.

Finally, the exterior of your home plays a crucial role. Trim vegetation around the perimeter of your property, as overgrown shrubs provide shelter and a pathway to entry points. Keep firewood stacked away from the home, and regularly inspect your attic for signs of mice activity. These preventive strategies make your home less inviting to mice and significantly reduce the chances of an infestation.

How to Manage Mouse Activity This Spring

Spring is a season for renewal, but it’s also a time to be proactive in managing increased mouse activity. The predictable rise in movement and nesting activity during this season means homeowners must take action promptly. Understanding their behaviour and addressing vulnerabilities in your home lays the groundwork for long-term success in keeping your living spaces secure.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve spent years perfecting our humane, effective approach to mouse removal. Our team doesn’t just resolve immediate issues—we focus on comprehensive solutions that prevent future problems. To prepare your home for spring, we offer thorough inspections, expert analysis, and tailored strategies to safeguard your property.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in your walls or spot droppings under your sink. Take control of your home’s defences today. Contact Skedaddle to learn more about our proven techniques and how we can help keep your home safe from spring mouse activity. It’s never too early to ensure peace of mind.