When the Nights Turn Cold: Getting Ahead of Fall Mice
The first cold nights come, and a few weeks later there are droppings in the garage. NMSU Extension says deer mice often move indoors in fall and winter, and a garage full of stored boxes is an easy first stop.
Late summer is a good time to get the house ready, before the cold sends them looking.
The house
Walk around the outside slowly and look low. The state rodent guide says no hole bigger than a quarter inch should stay open. Check:
- Garage door seals and both bottom corners
- Where stucco ends above the foundation
- Gas, water, AC and cable entries
- Dryer and attic vents and their screens
- Door sweeps on every exterior door
The yard
The state guide suggests firewood and lumber on racks about 18 inches off the ground, plants trimmed 3 to 4 feet back from the walls and a clean, weed-free strip about 3 feet wide along the foundation. Clear out the garden once it's done, clean up under bird feeders and bring pet food in.
The garage and storage
Get stored boxes off the floor and into plastic bins with lids. Put birdseed, grass seed and dog food in metal cans. If you've got a car or camper that sits all winter, check it every few weeks. Rodents in cars and garages has more.
If mice are already in, house mouse control and rodent exclusion are the next step.
Also asked
Is fall really the busy season?
For indoor mice, yes. That's when NMSU says deer mice often move inside.