Don’t Let A Summer Mouse Problem Keep You Up At Night

August 18, 2023

Dealing with a mouse problem in the middle of the summer can be quite frustrating, leading to sleepless nights, the risk of damaged property, and even potential health concerns. If you’re a Maine homeowner who's losing sleep because mice are squeaking and scurrying through wall voids or overhead in your ceilings, you’re not alone. Although mice infestations are commonly associated with the fall and winter seasons, these nuisance and destructive pests can be just as problematic in homes, camps, and other structures during the summer. Read on to learn more about this pest issue, how it can be prevented, and what to do if mice are trying to take over your home. 

women unable to sleep with mice in ceiling and walls

Is the rainy summer contributing to the mouse problem?

Heavy and consistent rainfall can indeed contribute to an increase in mouse activity inside homes. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Flooding and displacement
    Outdoors in their natural habitat, mice often take shelter in burrows, nest in fields and wooded areas. Significant and extended rain causes flooding and forces mice to seek refuge from the elements.

  • Need for shelter
    When the weather drives mice out of their usual hiding spots, mice become motivated to find warm, dry places to escape the wet conditions outside. Homes and camps fit the bill just fine.

  • Food accessibility
    Rainy days can make it difficult for mice to find food sources in their natural habitats. As a result, they’re more inclined to venture indoors in search of easy to access food. 

Rain isn’t the only reason these pests will head indoors

While sunny days have not been too forthcoming this summer, we have seen the sun peak out a few times and with it, heat. Which leads us to another point to make- hot weather and loads of sunlight might drive mice indoors in search of cool spots (like the basement) and other areas of your house that are more comfortable. 

How to keep mice out of your home this summer

Rather than lose sleep worrying about mice raiding your pantry or nesting in the attic, our local pest control pros recommend taking steps to prevent these rodents from getting inside in the first place. Here are a few ways you can keep mice out:

  • Identify and fix potential entry points
    Inspect your home thoroughly to locate potential entry points for mice. Next, seal up all the cracks, gaps, and openings in your walls, foundation, bulkhead, and other spots on the exterior of your home that mice could fit through. 

  • Declutter and clean your house
    Mice love clutter as it creates all sorts of places for these pests to hide. By decluttering your living space and storage areas, you can reduce potential nesting sites. In addition to keeping things organized, you should regularly clean your home including vacuuming up food crumbs, wiping up spills, and disinfecting counters. 

  • Store food and food waste properly
    Make sure all food is stored in airtight containers, including pet food. Mice love easy access to food sources, so this prevention strategy will discourage them from staying in your home. You should also keep your trash cans covered with tight-fitting lids and take out garbage regularly. Be sure to store trash in outdoor receptacles that can withstand mice teeth and don’t leave trash lying on the ground around the containers. 

  • Clean up your yard
    Cut back tree branches and trim shrubs and other vegetation near your home’s exterior as these can provide hiding spots for mice. Keep firewood and potential nesting materials away from the house. 

If you’ve found mice or evidence of mice in your home, contact Pine State Pest Solutions

If it’s too late and you’re already dealing with a mouse problem in your home, don’t wait another minute; contact Pine State at the first sign of a problem.  Our locally owned and operated Maine pest control company offers rodent control services Sebago, Lewiston, and Falmouth as well as throughout our multi-county service area. We are ready to help property owners get rid of mice using a combination of exclusion, baiting, and trapping techniques. You don’t have to put up with mice or other rodents for that matter, reach out today and let our team get to work!

Year-round protection from rodents & other house-infesting pests

In addition to our one-time rodent control services, Pine State Pest Solutions offer year-round home pest control plans that target mice and rats as well as ants, roaches, and other house-infesting insects. Compare plans and pricing below or give us a call to discuss your mouse problem. 

*initial start-up fees may apply.

 

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