How to Recognize a Mouse Nest

A mouse is omnivorous, so it will eat anything that humans consume. There are many different types of mice including the deer, field and harvest mouse, but the most common mouse found in a home is the house mouse. This mouse is grey or brown in color with a pointed muzzle, long thin tail, large ears and small dark eyes. Mice generally live outside; however they can find your home and food pantry appealing. Finding a mouse nest is an indication that you have an unwelcome guest in your home.

Why Does a Mouse Enter Your Home?

When the weather turns cold a mouse is attracted to the heat that radiates from your home through doors and windows. Being a natural scavenger, a mouse can also detect food odors. Any opening that is ¼ inch or bigger will allow the mouse access to your home.

Clean and Neat

A cluttered home with scattered food and crumbs lying around is a mouse magnet. Not only does a messy house attract mice, but it provides great hiding places for them live. To discourage the presence of mice in your home keep piles of clothes off of the floor, place food in sealed containers, and vacuum regularly.

Eliminate Entrance Holes

Frequently check the outside of your home for any cracks or spaces that a mouse can fit through. All doors and windows need to be tight fitting. Seal any gaps around pipes, utility lines and vents. Use caulk, metal or concrete to close off any places where mice can get in. Place grates over ductwork and secure a screen on top of your chimney.

A Mouse Nest

A mouse nest is assembled for offspring and made from any fibrous material found by the rodent. Pieces of string, shredded paper, torn cloth, food wrappers and stuffing from pillows or mattresses can all be used for lining a mouse nest. The mouse forms the nest into a small ball and lives inside of it. You will know that it is a nest especially if you find mouse droppings inside or around it.  

Where Will You Find A Mouse Nest?

Mice like to stay warm, so the ideal spots in your home for their nests are behind a stove with a pilot light and in the back of the refrigerator. Kitchen cabinets and pantries are also preferred spots for mice to build their nest. Mice like to live near food and water so most of the time the kitchen area is where you will find them. A mouse is timid so it tends to stay close to its nest and food source. Mice usually only travel 15 to 25 feet away from their nest.

Mice and Diseases

Mice can bring fleas, ticks and worms into your home. Mice carry diseases like the Hantavirus, which attacks the respiratory system in humans and in some cases can be fatal. Ticks from mice can infect humans with Lyme disease, and mice can contaminate food preparation areas in your kitchen with salmonella.