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Wildlife & Pest Control Resources
A mouse in a pile of snow looks for a safe place to eat, sleep, and get out of the cold.

Getting Rid of Mice 101: Why Mice are a Bigger Problem in Winter

With holidays, good food, and hopefully some time off from work, winter is a great time to gather with family and invite people over to your home. However, many Michigan homeowners may be dismayed at the unexpected appearance of some unwanted guests: house mice and deer mice. 

Wet and cold conditions often cause structural deterioration that gives rodents an opportunity to make their way indoors. This weather is also what causes rodents to seek shelter indoors rather than in their natural habitats. At Creature Control, we offer proactive and humane solutions for preventing rodent problems, including live trapping and exclusion—we take care of every step from defense to removal. Keep reading to learn more about getting rid of mice and rats who try to take up residence in your home. 

Not a Creature Was Stirring … Except for a Mouse!

During winter, mice and other interior rodents tend to be more of a nuisance than at other times of the year. Wild rodents can carry diseases, and their presence inside your home will likely give guests an unpleasant fright. 

Creature Control is here to help by: 

  1. Targeting the source of the issue
  2. Fortifying your home against rodents
  3. Safely combating any mice and rats present in your home

Our methods are proactive and highly effective, making it easier for you to go about your daily life as normal and achieve peace of mind against any future problems. Contact us today for a fast response and a strong defense against rodent activity. 

What Do I Do if I See a Mouse?

Contacting professional pest control technicians is the smartest way to address any kind of rodent problem, both for safety reasons and to prevent the issue from growing out of hand. The rest of this article offers information that will help you protect your home and loved ones from any trouble that mice may try to cause. 

Are Mice Active in Winter? 

Unfortunately, yes. Unlike other animals, mice and rats don’t hibernate during winter. In fact, they may be more active than ever as they fight for scarce resources and a warm place to sleep. This is also a major factor in why they’re more noticeable inside Michigan homes. 

Winter Habits of Mice

We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about mice to give you a better picture of how these creatures can affect your home and family in colder seasons. 

What Do Mice Eat? 

Mice are famous for loving cheese, but they’re actually omnivores and eat a variety of grains and meats. During winter holidays, when there’s plenty of food being shared and possibly left out for easy access, they’ll turn your snacks and meals into a feast of their own. Some of their preferred human-provided foods include:

  • Chocolate
  • Oats and cereals
  • Rice
  • Corn
  • Fruit
  • Meat

How Long Do Mice Live?

In safe conditions, some mice in Michigan can live up to 8 years. However, in the wild, where they’re frequently preyed on, most adult mice only live 1 to 2.5 years. But during that time, if they take up residence in their home, they can contaminate food, harm pets or children, and spread bacteria and disease. 

Can Mice Climb Walls?

Rats and mice alike are excellent climbers, capable of wedging themselves up drain spouts and scaling vertical walls. This means any holes in the exterior of your home’s structure can lead to an infestation. At Creature Control, our team of mice exterminators knows how to humanely prevent a rodent infestation by inspecting homes for potential entry points and weak spots. 

How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home in Winter

Setting store-bought traps can be messy and distressing for both you and any rodents who invade your home. Relying on the professionals at Creature Control is the best way to address and prevent rodent problems from affecting your way of life. Get in touch with us today to stop rats and mice in their tracks and get them out of your house. 

Professional Mice Removal from Humane Pest Control Specialists

Defend your Michigan home against mice with the help of Creature Control’s pest control contractors! Our humane pest control services offer long-term solutions for rodent problems year-round, and we’d be happy to help you get your home ready for the holidays. Reach out to us online or call 1-800-441-1519 to get started.