Having mice in walls but not in house issues may seem rare, but it is actually a common problem. Mice are small, agile critters and they can easily find their way into your home through openings that you may not even be aware of. Because of their size, mice can squeeze through holes that are less than 1/4 inch wide.
If you have mice running around in your walls and ceiling, it can be a real nuisance and also pose a health hazard to your family. You’ll need to take action immediately if you want to get rid of these pesky rodents before they cause damage to the inside of your walls or get into your home.
Join us today as we talk about what to do if you have mice in walls but not in house.
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What Are Mice And Why Are They Problematic?
Mice can cause many issues if they get into your walls.
Mice are small rodents that live in a wide variety of habitats. While they can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, they prefer to live in areas with lots of food and little competition for resources. For this reason, mice have adapted well to living near people’s homes and other manmade structures.
There are several types of mice that people commonly deal with, including the house mouse, the field mouse, the white-footed mouse, and the deer mouse. However, the most common mouse to invade your home and get inside your walls is the house mouse.
The house mouse is a small rodent with a short tail and pinkish-gray fur. Mice can be distinguished from rats by their smaller size and lighter weight, as well as their pointed snout, smaller ears, and thinner coat. House mice are typically around 3 inches in length not including the tail, and they weigh around an ounce.
The common house mouse is found throughout North America, Europe, and much of Asia. It has been introduced to many locations around the world, often by human activity or on ships trading overseas.
The house mouse is the most common species of mouse found in homes and other buildings. It’s also the most widespread mammal on Earth, living in all 50 states, as well as in nearly every country.
Though small, the house mouse can cause big problems for people and homes. Mice reproduce quickly and can have 20-30 babies every few months, so it’s easy for them to overpopulate an area quickly if left unchecked. As a result, it’s important for homeowners to know the early signs of mice in walls but not in house issues, as well as what diseases mice carry, why they’re problematic, and how to get rid of them for good.
Mice can be very destructive if they get inside your home and especially if they get inside your walls. They will chew through wood and other materials, creating holes that allow them to get into and out of your home and walls. Mice can also chew through wires and insulation, causing safety hazards and structural damage.
Once mice get into your home, they can also cause problems with their urine and feces, which can create a strong odor and lead to health risks for you and your family. This problem can be compounded if you have pets or children in the house, as they are more likely to be exposed to these hazards.
Mice carry a number of different diseases that can be dangerous to people and pets, including:
Hantavirus – Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is caused by the hantavirus, which is carried by some species of mice. The virus is transmitted to humans through the fecal matter of infected mice. It can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with rodent urine or droppings. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that are found in the urine of rodents, livestock, and wild animals. Humans contract leptospirosis through contact with water or soil contaminated with infected animal excrement or urine. Symptoms include high fever and chills, severe headache, vomiting, and muscle aches. In rare cases, it can result in liver damage and death if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Salmonellosis – Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States. It spreads through contaminated food and drinks, as well as by direct contact with the feces of an infected person or animal. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) – LCMV is spread through bites from infected mice, or through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms include fever and headaches, but most people with LCMV don’t show any signs of illness at all. Those who do may develop a rash on their hands and feet that looks like measles or chickenpox. The virus can be fatal in young children or adults with weakened immune systems.
If you suspect that mice may have gotten into your home, it is important that you take action as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Do You Have Mice In Walls But Not In House?
Mice can get into your walls through openings around your home.
Mice are notorious for finding their way into walls and attics, but why do they prefer the walls of your house to live in?
Mice are nocturnal animals, and they are attracted to warmth. If you have an attic, it is going to be warmer than your house because it is naturally insulated by the attic insulation and the heat of the sun. This provides a cozy habitat for mice to nest in during the day and sleep at night.
When they enter your home, mice chew on woodwork and wires in search of food sources and in order to make paths and runways to get to and from certain locations.
Keep in mind that mice are small creatures and are able to squeeze into tiny spaces. They can crawl through holes that are less than half an inch wide! This makes them quite good at getting into places that you do not want them to be.
When mice move around your home, they leave behind droppings and urine as well as an odor from their scent glands. This can make it difficult for you to enjoy being inside your own home and possibly even dangerous, as we mentioned above.
Mice also have sharp teeth and claws that allow them to dig through wood and chew through wires, wood, plastic, and rubber so that they can get into your house even if there aren’t any openings for them to use on their own accord.
There are many other reasons why mice would be more likely to nest in walls than in your home:
- Walls are usually thinner than floors or ceilings so there is less material for them to chew through
- Walls don’t get as much foot traffic as floors do
- Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces that humans can’t fit through
Common Signs Of Mice In Walls But Not In House
A foul odor could be a sign of a dead mouse behind your walls.
As we now know, mice can fit through even the smallest holes, which makes them a problem for homeowners and renters alike. The problem is that mice aren’t just annoying and unsanitary, but they also pose a serious health hazard to your family.
If you think that you have mice in walls but not house issues, here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
Strange Sounds
If you hear a scurrying sound at night, that may be mice in the walls. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime and they can squeeze through even smaller spaces. They often use the same entry hole to come and go from your home. The easiest way to determine if mice are living in your walls is to listen for scratching sounds or other types of movement coming from your walls at night.
Rodent Droppings
Mice droppings are small and round, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter. You can find them near areas where mice like to hide such as behind baseboards, under cabinets or appliances, on window sills, and in corners around the outside of your home. If you find mice droppings in these areas, there is a good chance you have mice in walls but not in house. However, if you also find rodent droppings around your home, then chances are the mice have also made their way into your home.
Chewed Areas
Mice chew on wires, wood, insulation, plastic, cardboard, furniture, and other items in order to make pathways behind your walls. They also shred items in order to create nests for their young, and gnaw on hard materials to keep their incisors ground down. If you have mice in walls but not in house issues, try looking for chewed areas on furniture, electrical cords, and baseboards near where you hear noises coming from inside the wall.
Pets Behaving Strangely
In most cases of mice in walls but not in house issues, pet owners will notice that their pets begin behaving strangely. Dogs may start barking at something that isn’t there while cats might suddenly become aggressive toward family members or other pets in the home. Sometimes pets may become anxious or stressed. They may stare at one section of the wall with their head tilted or scratch at the floorboards. If you notice this, you may have mice in walls but not in house issues.
A Foul Odor
If you’re experiencing a foul odor coming from your walls, it could be a sign of mice infestation. The smell of ammonia is one of the most common signs that there are mice in your walls. This is the buildup of urine and feces behind your walls, which is not only foul to smell but also unhealthy.
Dead Mouse Smell
When you have mice in walls but not in house issues, it’s not uncommon for some mice to die inside of your walls. Once a mouse dies inside the wall, it will begin to decompose and smell like garbage. The smell will be especially pungent if there is no ventilation in the area where the mouse died. You may notice this smell near an electrical outlet or behind a piece of furniture, where there isn’t much airflow.
An Uptick Of Other Pests In The Home
If you have an infestation of mice, it is possible that there are other pests taking advantage of the holes created by them. Rats, cockroaches, and spiders all like to live in dark spaces just like mice do, where they can hide from predators and hunt for food without being seen. It is important to keep an eye on these types of pests as well as mice to ensure that they aren’t causing any damage or spreading disease through your home.
How To Get Rid Of Mice In Walls
Getting rid of a mouse in the walls takes a variety of methods.
Mice are very good at getting into small spaces. They can also climb up and down walls, so if there is a gap between the wall and the ceiling, they will find it.
The best way to keep mice out of your walls is to seal any openings that they could get into. This includes sealing gaps around pipes and wiring, as well as sealing windows and doors. You should also make sure that your attic and basement are sealed against rodents getting in from above or below.
Mice can also get into your walls through plumbing pipes or other utility openings in your home. If you have an open pipe that is exposed in any way (such as through an exposed vent), then mice may be able to climb inside it and get into your house from inside the wall. You should cover all vents with metal mesh screens so that this cannot happen.
Another common way that mice enter homes is through crawl spaces under houses and garages. If there is an opening between the ground underneath these structures and the floor above them, then a mouse may be able to squeeze through it into your home’s insulation cavity (the space between floors). You should seal any gaps between floors or cover them with plywood so that mice cannot enter this way.
If you have mice in your walls, there are several options to get rid of them. You can either trap them, use repellents to cause them to leave on their own, or you can get professional help.
Trapping Mice: One of the most cost-effective ways to get rid of mice in walls but not house issues is to use traps. There are different kinds of traps you can use to remove mice, including catch-and-release traps, poison-baited traps, snap traps, and electric traps. You can purchase most of these traps at any hardware or home improvement store. You can also order them online.
Using Mouse Repellents: Another common way to get rid of mice in walls but not in house issues is to use mouse repellents. Mouse repellents are products designed to keep mice away from areas where they are unwanted. There are several different types of mouse repellents available. Some of the most common include scent repellents and sound repellents. You can purchase repellents at most hardware stores or online. You also have the option of making your own mouse repellents at home using essential oils like peppermint oil or citronella oil. Mice are also repellent by the smell of ammonia and vinegar.
Contacting A Professional: If you don’t want to deal with dead mice and traps, or if you have a severe mouse infestation in your walls, it may be best to call a professional pest control company for help when it comes to getting rid of mice in walls not in house issues. A professional will be able to perform a full inspection and give you advice on how best to handle the infestation. A professional may also be necessary if you have noticed a dead mouse smell behind your walls, or if you believe mice have chewed through wires or insulation.
Best Practices When Getting Rid Of Mice In Walls Not In House Issues
Remember that though they are small, mice can be dangerous. Mice are not typically aggressive and tend to stay away from people. However, they will bite if handled and their bites can lead to infection. Furthermore, stirring up mouse droppings and urine can lead to inhaling bacteria and germs that can lead to the transfer of serious diseases like those listed above.
If you are getting rid of mice in walls, not in house issues, be sure you are wearing protective gear like masks, goggles, and gloves. Once you do get rid of the mice, be sure to clean the areas where they were nesting carefully.
Best Products We Recommend For Getting Rid Of Mice IN Your Walls
Not all products will work equally to get rid of a mouse problem in your walls.
Mice can be a real nuisance and a health hazard, especially if they are in your walls. They contaminate food and leave their urine, feces, and dead bodies behind your walls. We also now know that mice can cause damage to your electrical wiring and insulation, as well as chew through the woodwork. And, most concerning, mice can also carry various diseases such as salmonella, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and even Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV).
There are several ways to get rid of mice in your walls, including using traps and rodenticides. However, not all products are equally effective or safe for use around children and pets. It’s important to do your research when looking for which products will work best for getting rid of mice in walls and not house issues. It’s also important you are aware of how to use these products, and that you are able to monitor a rodent problem as you go to ensure the methods you are using are effective.
Below are some of the top products we recommend for how to get rid of mice in walls, not house issues.
Feeke Mouse Snap Traps
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Feeke Mouse Snap Traps is a humane rat trap that kills the mouse in an instant. The trap is made of high-quality plastic and stainless steel, which makes it durable and sturdy. This product comes with a strong spring mechanism that ensures the mouse will be trapped and killed instantly.
The trap is designed to catch large mice such as house mice, roof rats, voles, and chipmunks. It can also be used for other small animals such as squirrels, moles, and voles.
D-Con No View Covered Mouse Trap
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The D-Con No View Covered Mouse Trap is a humane way to get rid of mice without having to see them. The trap comes with two bait stations and two mouse traps.
The bait stations are for placing peanut butter or other bait in order to attract the mice. Once they enter the station, they can’t get out because there are holes on either side of the station with metal plates that keep them from escaping.
Blinc Humane Catch and Release Mouse Trap
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Blinc Humane Catch and Release Mouse Trap is a humane solution to get rid of mice in walls if you prefer not to kill the mice.
The product consists of two parts, one part being the plastic trap and the other part being the bait station. The bait station provides food for the mice so they can eat and then get trapped inside the plastic trap when they try to return back to their nest.
Top Products Recommended For Preventing Mice In The Future
Steel wool is commonly used to plug potential entry points for rodents around your home.
Once you’ve managed to get rid of mice in walls but not house issues, you probably don’t want to have to deal with them again. This is why preventing these pests from coming back around is just as important as getting rid of them in the first place.
One of the first steps to preventing mice in walls is to make sure you seal the holes and gaps in your home that could have allowed them inside in the first place. This will prevent mice from getting back inside once you have removed them and made nests all over again. You can also use repellents like sound repellents and scent repellents, as we mentioned above.
Below are some examples of products we recommend for preventing mice from getting into your house and walls.
Grandpa Gus’s Extra-Strength Mouse Repellent
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Grandpa Gus’s Extra-Strength Mouse Repellent contains powerful ingredients that are designed to confuse the senses of rodents and make them uncomfortable in the areas where it’s applied. This results in the quick elimination of unwanted pests.
The formula is made from 100% natural ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals or pesticides that could cause harm to pets or humans when used as directed.
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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Ultrasonic pest repellers are electronic devices that use specific frequencies to repel pests like mice. They emit ultrasonic sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be heard by mice, rats, and other pests. The idea is that the sound will irritate the animals enough to drive them away from the area where it is being used.
The devices come in various shapes and sizes, but they all work on the same principle: they emit sound waves at a frequency high enough that humans cannot hear them, but low enough that rodents and other small animals can.
Xcluder Rodent Control Stainless Steel Wool
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Xcluder Rodent Control Stainless Steel Wool is a safe, humane and effective way to prevent mice from getting into walls. In addition to preventing mice from entering your home, Xcluder Rodent Control Stainless Steel Wool also prevents rats and other small animals from entering as well.
The stainless steel wool can be used to plug potential entry points in the walls or flooring, where it acts as a barrier that prevents rodents from gaining access. It is easy to use and is strong enough that rodents cannot chew through it.
Mice In Walls But Not In House – Let’s Sum It Up
Mice in walls can be problematic and dangerous, but there are ways to remedy the problem.
Though they’re very small, mice are destructive little rodents that can cause considerable damage to your home. They can chew through wires and insulation, causing electrical fires and damaging the structure of your home. Mice also carry diseases and can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. If you have mice in walls but not house issues, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent damage to your property and keep your family safe.
Here are some more expert tips on getting rid of mice in the walls:
1) Check for holes in the outside of your house. Make sure all holes in the siding or other places where mice may enter are sealed up with steel wool or other materials that mice cannot chew through easily.
2) Routinely look for possible entry points inside the house where mice may be getting into the walls. Check around pipes, water heaters, furnaces, and other places where it might be easy for them to get into the wall cavities. Seal up any gaps that you find using steel wool or silicone caulk or another material that will not allow mice to chew through it easily.
3) Clean out all clutter from your basement or attic so that there are no hiding places for mice inside these areas of your house where they can try to nest before coming up into the walls during their search for food sources nearby,
4) Call a professional if you need to. Remember, a severe rodent infestation in your walls can be serious and lead to structural problems. If mice chew through wires, this can even lead to house fires. This is why it is better to be safe than sorry if you suspect a serious rodent problem.
5) Last but not least, make sure you are using a form of pest control year-round inside your home and out. Mice can lead to an uptick in other pest problems, so using a form of pest control that helps control a variety of pests including rodents and insects can help ensure you don’t have to deal with mice in walls but not in house issues again.
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.