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November 27, 2023
Maine winters are not for the faint of heart. It requires proper gear and grit to get through the season. While hibernation is a solid option for bears, it’s not for us or every animal. As for mice, you’re probably thinking there’s no way these small rodents could endure winter without tucking themselves away and you're partly right. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “do mice hibernate?” and discuss how mice spend their winters.
Identifying mice in Maine
Before we go on, we thought it worth mentioning that Maine is home to more than one species of mouse. In fact, in central and southern Maine, property owners often find themselves battling the common house mouse, the deer mouse, and the white-footed mouse. All three species are similar in appearance, have a high reproductive rate, and as for how they react to cold weather… well, keep reading friends.
Do mice hibernate in Maine?
Whether indoors or outside, mice do not hibernate. Unfortunately, cold weather does not deter mice from making a nuisance of themselves or from damaging property. In fact, not much stops mice from infesting homes and businesses in Maine and certainly not snow on the ground.
Where mice go in the winter in Maine
When temperatures drop and the ability to find food outside becomes harder, mice (and rats) often enter structures for warmth and sustenance. They usually slip into homes and buildings through small openings or cracks and establish nests in walls, attics, basements, or pantries.
How mice behave inside in the winter
Indoors, mice are less influenced by the external weather conditions and will remain active year-round. As is the case in any season, once mice sneak indoors, they will forage for food in the kitchen, steal bird seed from the garage, chew on just about anything they can find (including electrical wires), damage property, and leave urine stains and droppings everywhere they go.
Damages caused by a mouse infestation
When mice spend their winters indoors, they will cause damage. They’ll use those ever-growing incisors to chew on anything they find -from support beams to electrical wires to furniture to cardboard boxes- and the resulting damage ranges from minor cosmetic issues to more extensive damage. Why they may even create fire hazards. Not only that, but they may also contaminate attic insulation and surfaces with their droppings and damage furniture and personal belongings.
They also introduce health risks
In addition to the damages noted above, when mice stick around for the winter (or any other season) they may bring with them disease, cause food contamination, and rob homeowners of their peace of mind.
How Pine State Pest Solutions gets rid of mice
Since DIY mouse control is often ineffective, the best thing you can do for your home when mice are running about is to contact Pine State Pest Solutions. Offering effective rodent control in Auburn, Augusta, and Portland as well as throughout our multi-county service area, our team of experienced pest control specialists will:
- Investigate the problem to confirm the presences of mice and determine the severity of the infestation.
- Treat your home or business to eradicate the rodent population already established in the structure.
- Set up bait stations in the attic, basement, garage, and around the exterior perimeter.
- Fortify your structure by sealing off potential entry points. If there’s major exclusion to be done, we’ll make recommendations.
- Return for follow-up service(s) as needed to ensure rodents have been eliminated!
Why not sign up for year-round home pest control services and let us take care of all your pests!
For greater protection against mice, rats, and other house-infesting pests, consider signing up for home pest control services with Pine State. Compare our residential plans and pricing below or simply give us a call to find out how we can help you keep mice out!
*initial start-up fees may apply.
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