Mice prefer narrow, quiet spaces with moderate humidity and little human activity. Dark, hard-to-reach areas give them protection from predators and make them difficult to detect. While pest control technicians have specialist tools to deal with infestations, prevention is always easier than removal.

The Basement

Basements tick every box for mice. They’re quiet, often cluttered, and commonly used for food storage. Human activity is limited, especially at night, which makes mice feel safe. Basements are also ideal places to set traps, as mice tend to travel along walls and pipes.

If you have a basement, check all drains, pipe entries, and cracks in the walls. Even small gaps should be sealed with rodent-proof foam. Reducing clutter and locating any nesting material early can stop a small issue from becoming a serious one.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most attractive places in the house for mice. Food crumbs fall behind appliances, grease builds up under ovens, and cupboards often contain easily accessible packaging. Mice are especially drawn to smells coming from cookers and ovens, which is why chewed oven cables are a common and dangerous problem.

To reduce the risk, clean behind appliances regularly, store food in sealed containers, and avoid leaving cereal boxes or open packaging on shelves. Mice are persistent — if food is there, they will find a way to reach it.

The Attic

Attics are prime nesting locations. They’re filled with stored items, provide plenty of hiding spots, and are rarely disturbed. This makes them ideal places for mice to reproduce. A female mouse has a gestation period of about 21 days and can give birth to 3–14 young at a time, meaning populations grow extremely fast.

Many people don’t realise that mice can climb walls, drainpipes, and even reach upper floors from outside. Regular attic checks are essential, especially if you notice scratching sounds, droppings, or shredded insulation.

Bathrooms

Mice are attracted to moisture, but unlike rats, they can’t swim. If you find mice in a bathroom, they haven’t come up through the toilet — they’ve entered through gaps in walls, floors, or pipework. Pipes create perfect travel routes between rooms and floors.

Any openings around pipes should be sealed with rodent-proof materials as soon as possible to prevent further access.

Inside the Walls

Scratching or scurrying sounds at night are a classic sign of mice inside walls. They use wall cavities as hidden highways to move around the house and sometimes even build nests there.

Breaking walls open isn’t usually necessary. The key is finding where they entered the wall cavity and placing traps along those routes. Poison should be avoided — mice often die inside walls, leading to strong, lingering smells that are difficult to deal with. If the situation feels overwhelming, professional pest control is the safest option.

The Garage

Garages are especially attractive in winter. Cars bring in warmth after being driven, and mice will happily nest near engines, chewing wires and insulation. Droppings are often the first sign of activity.

Keep traps in the garage year-round and check under the bonnet during colder months. Warmth attracts more than just mice — other small animals may shelter there too.

What Attracts Mice to Your Home

Mice don’t enter homes randomly. They’re drawn in by very specific things, and once those needs are met, they stay.

Rubbish bins and compost are major attractions. Food waste left outside or in poorly sealed bags is an open invitation. Always store rubbish in secure containers, ideally in a mouse-proof shed or garage.

Fruit trees and garden vegetables are another overlooked food source. Mice prefer carbohydrates and sugars — fallen fruit, vegetables, and even chocolate are far more appealing to them than cheese.

Bird feeders and water sources may seem harmless, but they attract rodents just as effectively as they attract birds. In areas with known mouse activity, feeders often do more harm than good.

Water is essential. Mice will drink from pet bowls, leaking taps, garden containers, or condensation. Removing easy water access makes your property far less appealing.

Heat also plays a role. Mice naturally seek areas that are even slightly warmer than their surroundings, especially when nesting or breeding.

Debris and clutter provide shelter. Old furniture, stacked wood, unused vehicles, and discarded materials create perfect hiding places close to homes.

Still Wondering Where Mice Come From?

In most cases, they come from right outside your home, drawn in by food, warmth, and shelter. Once inside, they reproduce quickly and quietly. The sooner entry points are sealed and attractants removed, the easier it is to keep them out for good.

If mice have already made themselves at home and DIY methods aren’t working, getting expert help early can save a lot of time, stress, and damage later on.