Signs of Mice

Why Mice Are a Problem

Mice aren’t just a nuisance; they can jeopardize your family’s health and damage your home and belongings.

Health Risks

Mice leave droppings and urine that may carry bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella and Hantavirus. They can also bring in parasites such as fleas, ticks, and lice, which can spread to people and pets. Even a single mouse can introduce these risks into your home.

Property Damage

Mice chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long, and they’ll gnaw on just about anything:

• Electrical wires (raising fire risk)

• Plumbing pipes (which can cause leaks and water damage)

• Insulation (reducing energy efficiency and increasing utility bills)

• Drywall, furniture, and cabinets

• Clothing and stored food

Even minor damage can quickly add up, but structural damage, like chewed wiring or water-damaged walls, can be expensive and serious.

Rapid Reproduction

Mice breed quickly. A single pair can produce dozens of offspring in just a few months. This means that a small, unnoticed problem can grow into a full-blown infestation in a short period of time.

Common Signs of Mice in Your Home

Recognizing mouse activity early makes it much easier to stop them. Look for the following signs:

Droppings

• Small, dark, pellet-shaped, often found along walls, in drawers, or behind appliances.

• Fresh droppings are soft and shiny; older ones are dry and brittle.

Gnaw Marks

• Chewed packaging, wires, furniture, or drywall.

• Fresh marks are light in color and darken with age.

Scratching and Scurrying Noises

• Scratching, squeaking, or scampering sounds at night.

• Sounds often come from walls, ceilings, attics, basements, or under floors.

Nesting Materials

• Shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or plant matter in warm, hidden spaces.

• Nests are usually found in attics, basements, behind appliances, or closets.

Tracks and Grease Marks

• Dirt or grease smudges along walls or baseboards from repeated travel.

• Dusty areas may show footprints or tail marks.

Unusual Pet Behavior

• Pets may stare at walls, sniff under appliances, or act unusually alert.

Damage to Food or Storage Areas

• Chewed food packaging

• Nibbled pantry items

• Gnawed pet food

Seasonal Mouse Activity

Mice are active all year, but what they’re looking for changes with the seasons. 

• Winter: When the weather turns cold, mice settle indoors for warmth, food, and shelter. Attics, garages, basements, and crawl spaces are common entry points.

• Spring: As the weather warms, breeding ramps up. While they may find plenty of food outside, indoor spaces are still attractive for nesting and safety.

• Summer: Mice often split their time between outdoor areas and homes. Garages and sheds often provide temporary homes, especially if food and water are nearby.

• Fall: This is the season homeowners notice them most. As temperatures drop, mice begin looking for cozy spots inside your home, setting the stage for winter infestations.

What To Do If You Suspect Mice

If you notice any signs of mice, act quickly. Even a short delay allows them to reproduce and spread.

Avoid DIY Methods

Trying to handle a mouse problem with DIY methods often doesn’t work. Store-bought mouse traps and poisons might catch one or two mice, but rarely eliminate an entire infestation. They don’t reach mice hiding in walls, attics, or other hidden spaces. Moreover, they can also be risky when used around kids and pets.

Call a Professional

The best option is to call a pest control company specializing in rodent control. At Anti-Pest, we identify where mice are active, locate nests, and remove the problem. Acting quickly protects your home and belongings and saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Special Note for NW Louisiana Homeowners

Homeowners should keep an extra eye out for mice because they often hide in spots you might not think to check, like behind kitchen appliances, inside wall voids, or in attic insulation. Regularly look for droppings, gnaw marks, and other signs mentioned above. 

Small gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and utilities can act as entry points, so seal anything bigger than a quarter-inch

• Replace damaged or missing vent covers

• Keep food in tightly sealed containers

• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or pet food in bowls overnight

• Reduce clutter where mice could hide 

Combining these simple preventative steps with professional pest control can help protect your home from serious damage.

For Business Owners and Managers

While this guide focuses on homeowners, businesses, especially in older buildings, can also deal with mice. Offices, storage areas, warehouses, and restaurants are all at risk. Mice can chew on equipment, damage inventory, and create health concerns. 

Just like in homes, catching the problem early and calling a professional is the best way to protect your business.

Why Choose Anti-Pest For Help Getting Rid Of Mice

For over 75 years, Anti-Pest has protected Northwest Louisiana homes and businesses from mice and other pests. Our experienced team knows the local environment, seasonal mouse behavior, and the most effective treatments for long-term control.

• Proven results: We safely eliminate mice from homes and businesses.

• Ongoing protection: Our treatments reduce the risk of future infestations.

• Local expertise: Decades of experience in Northwest Louisiana mean we know what works best for our area.

Don’t let mice take over your home. Trust Anti-Pest to provide fast, effective, and reliable home pest control so your family can enjoy peace of mind year-round.