Signs of Mice in Your House and What to Do About It

Quick answer: The most common signs of mice are small dark droppings in cupboards and along walls, scratching in walls at night, chewed food packaging, and nests of paper or insulation. Mice breed quickly, so act early: remove food sources, set up treatment, and seal the gaps they use to get in.

Mice are one of the most common pests in GTA homes, especially from fall through winter. A single mouse can quickly turn into many, so it’s worth knowing the signs.

7 Signs You Have Mice

1. Small, dark droppings in cupboards, drawers, under sinks or along baseboards
2. Scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings, mostly at night
3. Chewed food packaging, especially cereal, rice and pet food
4. Nests made of shredded paper, fabric or insulation
5. Gnaw marks on wood, wires or plastic
6. A musty smell in cupboards or closed spaces
7. Pets suddenly staring at or pawing at a wall

Why Mice Come Inside

Mice move indoors in fall looking for warmth and food. They can squeeze through a gap about the size of a dime. Common entry points include gaps around pipes and wires, the garage door, dryer vents and cracks in the foundation.

Are Mice Dangerous?

Mice contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, and they can chew electrical wires. Cleanup should be done carefully. Wear gloves, and don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings, which can spread dust.

What to Do

1. Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs.
2. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
3. Seal small gaps with steel wool and sealant.
4. Get professional treatment if you see signs in more than one area or they keep coming back.

What Our Customers Say

“I contacted Empire to tackle a severe mice issue in my home. They delivered exceptional results with just one treatment! I highly recommend their services – effective, efficient, and reliable.”
– Iqra, Google review

Learn more about our mice removal service and pest control services. We serve Durham Region, York Region and Toronto, including Scarborough and North York.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do mice breed?

Very fast. A female can have several litters a year, so a small problem can grow quickly.

Do mice leave on their own?

Rarely. If they have food, water and warmth, they stay and multiply.

How do I stop mice from coming back?

Sealing the gaps they use to get in is the key step, along with removing easy food sources.

Need Help?

Empire Wildlife Control serves homes and businesses across Durham Region, York Region and Toronto. Call (289) 408-9940 or request a free quote.