8 Things That Are Attracting Mice Straight to Your Door

Mice are tiny creatures that can slip through the smallest cracks and gaps in your home. Because it is so easy for them to get inside, your best defense against mice is preventing them from finding your home appealing to begin with. Even if you keep a clean and organized space, there are some common things that will lure mice straight to your door. To protect you against these hungry rodents, we spoke to pest control experts who shared the most common things that attract mice to your home.

Food

Mice are most attracted to your home because of the food found inside. "House mice are the most common rodent species found in homes. They’re opportunistic feeders that eat between 15 and 20 times a day and are especially drawn to cereals, grains, and pet food," says Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at NMPA. "Once they discover a reliable food source, like your kitchen or pantry, they'll return repeatedly."

To deter mice from scavenging your kitchen for a snack, Fredericks says to store all dry food in airtight, sealed storage containers to help keep mice out. "In addition, it's important to keep your kitchen clean by wiping up spilled foods immediately, washing dishes, and sweeping away crumbs. Don’t forget to take out the trash regularly and keep garbage in properly sealed containers."

Pet Food

Similarly, mice will also munch on pet food if it's available to them. "Mice love pet food because it’s full of nutrients, and it’s one of the most common attractants inside an otherwise clean, well-kept home," says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, a pest control company. "To make it less enticing, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, clean food bowls after each use, and store dry pet food in hard plastic, metal, or glass airtight containers."

Seeds

If a highlight of your day is watching birds visit your bird feeders, chances are you have extra birdseed in your garage or garden shed, which can easily become a meal for hungry mice. Birdseed and even grass seed are highly attractive to mice, especially deer mice, as they provide an easy, nutrient-rich food source that rodents seek out, says Fredericks.

Like food, Fredericks recommends storing seeds in secure, airtight containers, especially if kept in garages or storage sheds where they're more accessible to rodents. "Elevated storage can also help prevent rodents from reaching these food sources and can make it easier to detect the evidence left behind by mice," he says.

Kitchen Grease

Clean countertops free of crumbs and spills don't necessarily mean your kitchen isn't attractive to mice. These rodents are also attracted to grease left on stovetops, range hoods, and other kitchen surfaces. "Many people focus on crumbs but forget the buildup on kitchen surfaces and appliances, which is a source of high-calorie fats for mice," says Wong. Aside from routine cleaning, he recommends deep cleaning your kitchen year-round, focusing on larger appliances and the often-forgotten nooks and crannies where grease lingers.

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Warmth

Aside from food, mice also venture inside homes seeking shelter and warmth, especially during fall and winter. "Their whiskers make them very sensitive to air currents," says Wong. "So, as warm air moves from your heated home outside through a crack in a wall or a gap under a door, mice can sense it and follow it back to find these entry points."

To prevent this, seal all exterior cracks and holes with silicone caulk and steel wool. "Additionally, it’s important to repair loose mortar and replace worn weatherstripping," Fredericks says. "Be sure to install screens or mesh covers over chimneys and other exposed openings. A pest control professional can help identify entry points and seal openings permanently."

Old Newspaper

Mice are always on the hunt for materials they can use to make a cozy nest out of, and old newspapers in your home are the perfect option. "Mice love newspapers because it makes for excellent nesting and insulation material, especially when stacked or stored in cluttered areas," says Wong. "For them, the musty odor of old newspaper signals a suitable, undisturbed environment to nest in." He recommends mitigating this risk by getting rid of piles of newspapers or storing them in large, lidded containers that mice can’t get into.

Kitchen Sink

If you haven't deep-cleaned your sink in a while, it may be the reason mice are finding their way into your home. "This is a lesser-known source of food odors that can attract mice into your kitchen," says Wong. "From dirty dishes to grease and non-disposed food debris inside garbage disposals, over time, this creates a buildup of bacteria and organic waste that releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."

Prevent this issue by taking the time to deep clean your kitchen sink and drain with baking soda, white vinegar, and warm water. This will sanitize your sink and reduce lingering food odors that mice are attracted to.

Dark, Secluded Areas

Mice like nesting in dark, secluded areas of your home where they're free to build nests undetected. "Cluttered basements, attics, and storage rooms provide ideal nesting grounds where mice can breed rapidly without you knowing," says Fredericks. "These rodents are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot in height, allowing them to reach isolated areas inside structures where they feel safe."

Make your home less hospitable to these critters by keeping storage areas clean and well-organized. "Store boxes off the floor, and declutter basements, attics, and utility rooms to eliminate potential nesting sites," he says. "Keep an eye out for signs of rodent activity, such as shredded materials or droppings."