Seeing More Mice This Winter? Here's Why—and What Helps

When temperatures drop, mice begin searching for what winter takes away: warmth, reliable food, and shelter from predators. Homes provide all three, often with far less effort than surviving outdoors. The last time you checked, you didn't invite in any wildlife—but mice don't wait for an invitation.

Understanding why mice enter houses during colder months can help homeowners prevent infestations before they start and recognize when professional help is needed. Here are the most common reasons why mice move indoors during the winter—and how to stop them.

Cold Weather Pushes Mice Inside

Mice are highly sensitive to cold and struggle to survive once temperatures consistently dip. Indoor spaces offer stable warmth and protection, making homes an ideal refuge. "Mice like to come inside during the winter because it's too cold outside. Most of the time, it's always warmer indoors, and they come in seeking shelter," says pest control expert Jerry Wang.

Once inside, mice can nest behind walls, in insulation, or in attics, remaining hidden while continuing to reproduce.

Food Scarcity Makes Homes Appealing

Winter also limits natural food sources, driving mice to seek out nourishment in human environments. Even the smallest food cues can be enough to draw them in. “The general rule to avoid attracting mice is to keep the vicinity clean,” Wang explains. “Mice will look around the area for food, and if they smell food from garbage cans or trash bags left out in the open, it will attract them.”

Outdoor conditions matter just as much as indoor habits. “If there is a lot of yard debris, this will also attract them in,” says Wang. Compost bins are a frequent source of trouble, even for otherwise well-maintained yards. “If someone has a compost bin near their home, keep it a little farther out,” suggests Wang.

Tiny Openings Create Easy Access

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime: Cracks near garages, foundation gaps, attic vents, and rooflines are all common entry points. "Sometimes people have small holes by the garage, and they don't even realize it," says Wang. Snow and winter debris will often disguise these holes from homeowners—but mice will still find them, in turn causing an apparent uptick in seasonal mouse sightings.

Gutters and vents can also unintentionally guide mice inside. "If the gutters run all the way up, a mouse is able to crawl up the gutters and come in through the top part of the home," Wang explains. Dryer vents are another vulnerability. "If the vent cap isn't properly closed, a mouse is able to tunnel their way in and can end up breaking the vent pipe."

According to Wang, "as long as a home has all the openings sealed, this will eliminate 99.9 percent of the problem."

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Signs of an Infestation and Prevention Tips

If you notice any of the following—anytime of year—you may have mice infestation.

• Small droppings near baseboards, cabinets, or pantries
• Scratching or rustling sounds in walls or ceilings
• Shredded paper or insulation used for nesting
• Chewed food packaging or wires

After identifying the issue, inspect and seal any cracks, gaps, and holes with caulk, steel wool, or hardware cloth. You'll want to install tight-fitting vent covers on dryers and exhaust pipes, too.

As for the kitchen, store food in airtight containers and secure trash lids. And don't forget about your yard and garage: Move compost bins farther from the house, clear yard debris, and trim plants away from the foundation

When to Call a Pest-Control Professional

If sealing efforts fail, activity continues, or mice are nesting inside walls or attics, a licensed pest control professional can locate hidden entry points, safely remove mice, and prevent a re-infestation.