Why Older Homes In Maine Are At Greater Risk For Winter Mouse Problems

Winter in Central and Coastal Maine can be harsh, and as temperatures drop, mice start looking for warm, sheltered places to nest. Unfortunately for homeowners, older homes in the region are particularly vulnerable to mouse infestations during the winter months. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why and offer tips to protect your property.

Why are old homes more attractive to mice?

Older homes often have issues that make it easier for mice to sneak inside. Cracks in foundations, gaps in siding, open space under garage doors, and loose or missing shingles create perfect entry points for these small critters. Moreover, many older houses have aging plumbing and electrical, leaving small openings around pipes and wires that mice can squeeze through.

In addition, older homes tend to have more crawl spaces, basements, and attics—areas where mice can easily hide and build nests without being disturbed or detected. These spaces often lack modern insulation and sealing, making them more susceptible to drafts and gaps that mice use to get inside.

What attracts mice indoors during winter?

Mice aren’t just looking for a warm place to hang out all winter—they’re also searching for food and water sources. In older homes, pantries may not be as well-sealed, and storage areas often provide easy access to food sources. Mice are opportunistic feeders that chew through cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and even drywall to reach food supplies.

Another contributing factor is clutter. Older homes tend to have more items stored from previous years. Whether it’s cardboard boxes full of holiday decorations and miscellaneous items in the attic, seasonal gear in the garage, or old furniture in the basement, these areas create ideal hiding spots for mice, giving them a place to nest and breed without interruption.

Signs of a mouse infestation in older homes

• Droppings in corners, cupboards, under the kitchen sink, or along baseboards

• Chewed wires, food packaging, or insulation 

• Scratching noises in walls, ceilings, or under floors, particularly at night

• Musty odors caused by mouse nests or urine

• Sightings of live mice, especially at night when they are most active

How to protect your home from mice this winter

Mice can quickly turn your home into their winter retreat, especially if they find easy access and plenty of resources. Protecting your home starts with making it less inviting to these uninvited guests. With that in mind, here are some practical tips to keep mice out this winter:

• Seal entry points
  Inspect the foundation, roofline, windows, and doors for gaps or cracks. Use pest-proofing material to seal all potential entry points. 

• Declutter
  Reduce hiding spots by keeping basements, attics, and storage areas tidy and organized. 

• Secure food
  Store people and pet food in airtight containers and immediately clean up crumbs or spills. The same rule applies to birdseed. 

• Fix moisture issues
  Repair leaky pipes, appliances, and other plumbing issues. Improve ventilation in damp areas to eliminate water sources.

What to do if you’ve got an active mouse problem in your home

Owning a home (whether old or new) is a blessing. However, it takes work to maintain it, and winter mouse problems are a real concern in Maine, making it even harder.  With their ability to squeeze through tiny gaps and find warmth in hidden corners, mice can quickly turn into a frustrating infestation.  If you’re a homeowner in Litchfield, Augusta, Boothbay Harbor, or elsewhere in Central or Coastal Maine and would like help getting rid of mice and preventing them from re-infesting, contact Advanced Pest Solutions for help. 

Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers effective and affordable home pest control services. Our plan includes year-round protection from mice and other house-infesting pests, interior and exterior pest treatments, and a no-charge service guarantee. You can rely on us to protect your home and belongings from mice over the winter and all year long! 

Contact us today for more information about our Premium Care Plan or to request a quote!