How Long Does A Mouse Infestation Last?
It's no fun hearing a sound that you think is a mouse hiding in your walls. It is even less fun to see a mouse in your home, but you might want to thank the rodent for making noise or showing itself. Mice are often quiet—you know, quiet as a mouse. When you detect a mouse problem, you can do something about it. But do you have to? Will a mouse go away on its own? Let's look at a few key factors. We'll end by answering the question, "How long does a mouse infestation last?"
Why mice infest homes
If someone were to ask you why a mouse wants to live in your home, what would you say? Would you say that it is because you have food? While it is true that mice like finding food in your home, it isn't the only reason why they get in. In fact, they don't know your home has food. What invites them in is the promise of a place to hide. Common hiding spots for mice include, but are not limited to:
- Attics
- Cabinets and cupboards
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Behind appliances
- Ceiling voids
- Wall voids
- Closets
- Garages
If your home has a gap, hole, crack, or some other opening, mice will explore it. They're always looking for hiding places.
Why mice stick around
When a mouse gets into a wall void, it feels just like a natural nest location. Therefore, that little mouse may immediately start to create a nest, gathering materials both outdoors and indoors. You may hear this activity in your wall. If you do, it doesn't mean you have a permanent mouse infestation. It only means a mouse has found its way indoors. Here are a few factors that can make a mouse want to stay:
- If it can easily go in and out of your home and has access to food and water just outside. An example is birdseed on the ground and a nice puddle.
- If it can find a food source inside your home. It may eat crumbs on the floor, or it may get into your stored foods.
- If it can find a water source inside your home. While a mouse can derive the moisture it needs from many of the foods it eats, it will like finding something to drink. A plumbing issue or a pet water dish can provide a source of drinking water.
When mice find everything they need indoors, they don't have to go outside to get food and water. They can survive on a surprisingly limited amount of food and moisture, but it is possible to drive mice away by controlling these two essential requirements for life.
How long does a mouse infestation last?
How long will mice stay in your home? If your answer is that they can stay permanently if they have food and water, you are absolutely right. But will they want to? It depends on the species.
Some mice don't prefer to live indoors. If they get inside, they'll enjoy the climate, protection, and available food options for a short time but go back outside where things feel "natural" to them. Some mice feel entirely comfortable in your home. The house mouse (Mus musculus) prefers indoor living. In fact, many mice of this species never see the outdoors throughout their entire lives.
- We can't tell you how long you'll have mice, but we can say this: You'll have them for less time if you address the reasons they're able to live with you.
- Keep your home clean.
- Protect your trash.
- Put pet food and water down for short periods during meals.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Address plumbing issues.
- Seal entry points in your exterior.
- Seal holes on your interior that mice use as routes, such as around the pipes under your kitchen sink.
If you take these steps, you can drive mice out, and keep them out—in most cases. But these critters are sometimes persistent and your efforts may fall short.
How pest control pros resolve mouse problems?
When you contact Greenway Pest Solutions for help solving rodent problems in Albuquerque, we use a systematic strategy for collecting rodents and arresting rodent activity. Here's how it works.
- We track rodents and evaluate entry points and conducive conditions.
- We use methods established by experts to set traps and collect the rodents.
- We apply exclusions to prevent rodents from continuing to access your home.
- If necessary, we use tamper-resistant bait stations to reduce rodent populations around your home.
- We provide insights about your rodent pressures so you're able to take steps to reduce rodent problems.
- We can provide ongoing, year-round service to continually keep rodents out of your home by visiting your property, checking for activity around the exterior, and applying necessary maintenance.
With home pest control services available in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Los Alamos as well as throughout our New Mexico area, Greenway Pest Solutions is the ideal choice when it comes to getting rid of mice and rats and keeping them out all year round. We also offer a one-time service and commercial rodent control! Reach out today to request a free quote!
