How Do Mice Enter Homes?

Prevention is better than cure. An old saying that’s as true today as it has ever been. That’s especially true when dealing with pests such as mice.

They may look adorable but they can carry diseases, eat pet’s food and damage your home.

It stands to reason that if you can stop a mouse getting into your house, you can prevent damage and mitigate the risks rodents pose.

But how do they get into your home? 

Mouse in your house?

Mice are enterprising little critters that can find all kinds of ways into a property. We’ll cover the most common entry points for mice on this page.

Cracks and gaps in render or stucco

Mice are tiny creatures and can use even the tiniest crack to make entry into your home.

If you have cracking exterior render or gaps where it meets other materials, this is a prime point of entry for mice.

Got a mouse in the house? Check all your exterior render for cracks or small holes where it meets the roofline, windows or other materials.

HVAC or utility pipes

If there are gaps around where pipes make entry into your home, this is another way for a mouse to enter the property.

This is especially common if a home has had AC added and the pipe hole wasn’t sealed properly.

Check where all pipes enter and exit the building and fill any gaps with mortar, plaster or something sturdy.

Door and window frames

Door and window frames that don’t fit the recess exactly can leave large enough gaps for mice.

Even if you fill it with caulk, wood or something else, mice can chew through and get in.

Check all your door and window frames to ensure a snug fit. If you see gaps, fill them with mortar or render and ensure there is enough there to prevent a mouse chewing their way through.

Weep vents

Brick-built homes often have small gaps between some bricks called weep vents. These allow water to escape if it finds a way through and helps prevent damp.

They also provide a nice entryway for mice. Even though the gaps are tiny, mice can also be tiny.

If your home has weep vents, use plastic, metal or wire weep vent covers to keep mice out.

Roof or attic vents

A really determined, or hungry, mouse can easily climb your roof and enter your home through a roof vent. Attic vents can also provide an easy entry.

Even if you close them using shutters or a grille, mice can often still slip through.

Check roof and attic vents for signs of mouse activity. Cover them from behind using wire with less than 5mm gaps to help keep mice out of your property.

Mice holes

Mouseholes aren’t just in cartoons, they are a real thing. Mice can chew through many softer materials like wood and thin plastic, leaving a readymade door for them and their critter friends to come visit.

Mouse holes aren’t as common as using gaps or existing entrances but they do happen and it’s something to keep an eye on when inspecting your property.

Check inside and out for any small holes in woodwork, siding, floorboards, skirting and walls. Then fill them with something permanent once you identify them.

What if you already have a mouse in the house?

Effective mouse repellents

Blocking entrances and exits are one thing, but what about if you already have a mouse in the house? Blocking their entrance will only trap them inside, so what do you do?

We recommend using one of our ultrasonic mouse repellents in each room you see evidence of mouse activity.

They are a safe, humane repellent for mice that can help any property, anywhere stay mouse free.

We recommend using a repellent before blocking up all the entrances so mice have an accessible escape route, otherwise they will be trapped in the house.

A combined approach is definitely the most effective. Prevent a mouse in the house with an ultrasonic mouse repellent and then fill in all the gaps so they can’t come back. Simple!