How Mice Sneak Into Your Home (And What You Can Do About It)

Your home feels extra cozy in the winter, with warm blankets, soft lighting, and maybe even a fire on chilly nights. But while you’re settling in, mice are out there searching for a warm place to hide. For many Massachusetts homeowners, that means your house is at risk. In fact, recent data shows the Northeast reports some of the highest rates of rodent sightings in the country, and three counties in Massachusetts rank in the top 10: Essex County, Suffolk County, and Worcester County.

Want to know how mice get inside and what you can do to stop them? The pros at Ford’s Hometown Services break down the most common entry points, warning signs, and prevention tips.

How Do Mice Get Inside Homes?

Mice are sneaky, and they only need a gap smaller than the size of a dime to get inside. Combine that with their need for warmth and food, and it becomes clear why they are so hard to keep out.

Here are the top entry points our technicians see in Massachusetts homes:

• Cracks in the foundation
• Gaps in masonry
• Openings around utility lines or pipes
• Spaces under exterior and garage doors
• Gaps where siding meets the foundation
• Unscreened vents

Once inside, they look for places to hide and nest. Common indoor hiding spots include:

• Cluttered storage areas or basements
• Cardboard boxes
• Places with insulation, such as attics
• Firewood piles
• Wall voids and dropped ceilings

How to Tell if You Have Mice

Is that scratching in your wall, or just the wind? It’s not always easy to tell if you have mice, especially in the early stages, when the signs are subtle.

Here’s what we recommend looking for:

• Small, rice-sized droppings inside cabinets, drawers and on the floor along walls and in corners
• Noises like scratching and scampering, especially at night
• Musty smells in crawl spaces or storage areas
• Tiny chew marks on food packaging
• Stretched paper, insulation, or fabric

Pro tip: If you’re hearing activity in your walls or ceilings, that usually means the mice have been there longer than you think.

Mouse Prevention Tips for Homeowners

As one of the region's top-rated pest control companies, Ford’s Hometown Services helps homeowners reduce the risk of mouse infestations every day. Here are some proven tips:

• Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around your home’s exterior
• Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers
• Clean up crumbs right away
• Reduce clutter in storage spaces
• Secure trash and recycling bins
• Consider professional mouse control services

Remember: if you see even one mouse, it’s time to act. Chances are, others are already nearby. And mice multiply fast.