As fall settles over Portland, the city’s mouse population becomes more active. Mice, like their larger rodent cousins rats, seek warmth and shelter as the weather cools. Unfortunately, your home might be exactly what they’re looking for.
Why Mice Invade Homes in the Fall: Mice are resourceful creatures. When the weather turns cold, they instinctively search for a warm place with easy access to food. Homes in Portland provide the perfect combination of warmth, shelter, and food, making them attractive to these small invaders.
Big things to watch out for are entries into your crawlspace or attic. If you’re hearing scratching or seeing rodents – that means it’s time to bring in the professionals.
Common Signs of a Mouse Infestation:
Droppings: Small, dark droppings around food sources, in drawers, or under sinks. (Be sure to properly identify as rats or mice prior to treatment)
Gnaw marks: Mice chew on wood, plastic, and even wires, leaving telltale signs.
Scratching sounds: You might hear mice moving through walls, ceilings, or floors, especially at night. Usually the mouse activity is originating from a crawlspace or attic and then moving into the walls.
How to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Home:
Seal entry points: Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Check for gaps around doors, windows, and where pipes enter the home, and seal them with caulk or steel wool.
Keep food secure: Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly. Chicken coops are a major food source. Dog food. Bird feeders, etc.
Declutter: Reduce clutter in and around your home to eliminate potential nesting sites.
The Importance of Acting Quickly: A single mouse can reproduce quickly, leading to a full-blown infestation in just a few weeks. Mice can also have multiple nests in a single home because of how close they generally stay to their nests (generally staying within 30 ft of their nest for their entire life).
Mice can also spread diseases like salmonella and listeria, making them more than just a nuisance.
Once a mouse infestation is dealt with it is always a good idea to make sure you clean up any droppings – sometimes an attic space or crawlspace might need to be restored after a mouse infestation (we can help with that too).
If you notice signs of mice or want to take preventative measures, contact Pest Patrol at 503-985-6524. We specialize in keeping Portland homes mouse-free, no matter the 
season.