Mice get into houses through gaps larger than about 1/4 inch: foundation cracks, openings around utility pipes and vents, worn door sweeps and low windows. In East Jordan and around Lake Charlevoix, Inner Banks Pest Solutions inspects for these entry points and provides rodent exclusion to keep mice out of closed-up cottages over the winter. Learn more about our rodent control and exclusion.
Why mice move in every fall
As temperatures drop, mice look for warm places to spend the winter, and MSU Extension calls this a common fall problem for Michigan homeowners (MSU Extension). Mice also multiply fast: MSU notes a potential of 5 to 10 litters a year, with 5 or 6 young in each.
The entry points we check first
Foundation cracks and gaps where the sill meets the foundation
Utility openings around pipes, wires, dryer vents and AC lines
Doors: worn sweeps and thresholds, including the door from the garage into the house
Low windows and basement windows
MSU's rule of thumb: if you can see sunlight through a gap, a mouse can probably fit through it. MSU also warns that spray foam is a temporary fix, because mice chew through it. Use concrete mortar, sheet metal or heavy-gauge hardware cloth instead (MSU Extension).
Why closed-up cottages are at higher risk
A cottage that sits empty for months gives mice quiet, undisturbed space, plus mattresses, cushions and boxes to nest in. By spring, the first sign is often droppings along the baseboards. Sealing the gaps before winter is far easier than cleaning up after a winter of mice.
Mini FAQ
Can mice get in through a hole the size of a dime?
Yes. University of Kentucky Extension says mice can squeeze through openings narrower than a dime, so seal gaps 1/4 inch and larger (UK Entomology).
Does spray foam keep mice out?
Not for long. MSU Extension says mice chew through spray foam. Use mortar, sheet metal or hardware cloth.
When should I mouse-proof my cottage?
Early fall, before the cold pushes mice indoors. If you missed that window, now is still better than spring.
Related: Rodent control · RV, camper and motorcoach storage · Pest control in East Jordan · Pest control in Charlevoix
Call (231) 350-3495 to schedule a rodent inspection with Inner Banks Pest Solutions.
