Hearing little scratches or squeaks inside your walls? That could mean mice have moved in. These tiny pests are great at hiding, and the walls in your home give them the perfect place to stay safe, warm, and out of sight. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t causing trouble. Mice can chew wires, damage insulation, and even spread germs. That’s why many people turn to a commercial pest control company when things get out of hand.
Let’s go over how mice get into your walls, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to get rid of them for good.
How Do Mice Get Inside Walls?
Mice are small, so small that they can squeeze through holes as tiny as a dime. They look for gaps or cracks around your house, especially near:
- Pipes and wires
- Cracked foundations
- Broken siding
- Gaps under doors
- Roof vents or chimneys
- Unsealed windows or doors
Once they find a way in, they’ll explore and find warm, quiet spots like the inside of your walls. Walls protect them from people, pets, and weather, so it’s their favorite place to build nests and have babies.
Signs You Have Mice in the Walls
Even if you don’t see them, there are some clear signs that mice are hiding behind the walls:
- Scratching or squeaking sounds, especially at night
- Small black droppings that look like grains of rice
- A musty or strong bad smell
- Chewed wires, wood, or drywall
- Tiny holes or gnaw marks
- Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
If you notice these signs, you may have a mouse problem, especially if it gets worse over time.
Step 1: Seal Up Entry Points
Before you try to catch them, stop more mice from coming inside. Walk around your home and look for any small openings. Mice can squeeze into cracks you might not even notice.
Seal them with:
- Steel wool or copper mesh (they can’t chew through this)
- Caulk or spray foam for smaller gaps
- Metal flashing for larger openings
- Mesh covers for vents and chimneys
Fixing these spots keeps more mice from sneaking in later.
Step 2: Set Traps (Outside the Wall)
You can’t always get mice while they’re inside the wall, but you can catch them when they come out to find food. Try using:
- Snap traps (quick and effective)
- Glue traps (less common)
- Live traps (for releasing mice somewhere else)
Place traps near:
- Baseboards
- Under sinks
- Behind the fridge or stove
- Inside pantries or cupboards
Use food like peanut butter, chocolate, or crackers as bait. Check traps often and always keep them away from pets and kids.
Step 3: Remove What Mice Want
Mice need food, water, and shelter. If your home has these things, they’ll want to stay. Make it less cozy by:
- Cleaning up crumbs and spills right away
- Keeping food in airtight containers
- Taking out the trash daily
- Washing dishes before bed
- Storing pet food in sealed tubs
- Getting rid of clutter in storage areas
The cleaner your home, the less inviting it is for mice.
Step 4: Clean Up Your Yard
Mice often live outside before sneaking in. Your yard might be helping them get inside if you’re not careful. To make it less mouse-friendly:
- Trim bushes and trees that touch the house
- Rake leaves and clear piles of wood or trash
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the house
- Keep birdseed and pet food in sealed bins
- Don’t leave pet bowls outside overnight
Taking care of your yard helps protect your house.
Step 5: What If You Smell Something Bad?
Sometimes a mouse can get trapped in the wall and die. If you notice a strong, rotten smell that won’t go away, it could be a dead mouse. In that case, you might need to cut into the wall to remove it. This is a good time to call a professional who knows where to look and how to fix the wall afterward.
Step 6: Call for Professional Help
If you’ve tried everything and still have mice in your walls, it might be time to get help. A professional can:
- Find out where mice are coming from
- Use safe tools and traps
- Remove mice the right way
- Seal up hard-to-reach spots
This can save you time, money, and frustration.
Final Thoughts
Mice may be small, but they can cause big problems, especially when they’re hiding in your walls. By sealing up holes, setting traps, keeping things clean, and checking your yard, you can stop them from coming back.
Take action early, and you can send those mice packing for good.