As temperatures drop in fall, mice across Canada begin looking for warm, stable shelter. Your home becomes a top target—and understanding why can help you prevent an infestation before winter even begins.

Why Mice Move Indoors in Cold Weather

1. Sudden temperature drops push them to seek shelter.
Mice lose body heat quickly, so dips into winter temperatures instantly activate their instinct to find warmth indoors.

2. Their Natural Food Sources Disappear
Seeds, vegetation, insects, and water sources become scarce in late fall. Indoors, however, crumbs, pet food, stored grains, leaking pipes, and even condensation offer easy sustenance.

3. Winter Is When Mice Start Family Planning
Mice prefer warm, hidden environments for nesting, making attics, garages, and basements ideal for winter reproduction.

How Mice Choose Which Homes to Enter

Mice don’t choose homes randomly. They look for:

• Small openings (gaps the size of a dime) around foundations, utilities, and doors
• Food smells from garbage, compost, birdseed, or pet bowls
• Warm, undisturbed spaces like wall cavities, storage boxes, and insulation
• Cluttered areas that provide hiding spots

Prevent Mice Before Winter Begins

Most homeowners wait until mice are already inside—but by then, they’ve nested and possibly multiplied. The key is to take action in late summer or early fall.

Simple Prevention Steps

• Seal cracks, gaps, and pipe openings with steel wool + caulk
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Store food and pet food in airtight containers
• Clean up outdoor attractants like birdseed and garbage
• Reduce clutter in basements, garages, and attics
• Use natural odor free repellents, such as Rodents Away Odor Free, around entry points and storage areas to create an invisible scent-free barrier mice avoid.

Final Thought

Mice head indoors every winter—it’s predictable and preventable. A few proactive steps now, combined with a natural odor-free deterrent, can keep your home mouse-free all season long.

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