If you have been following along with our move and new house — you know we had an unwelcomed visitor during our first few weeks in the house: a mouse! I was freaked, but I quickly learned how normal it is and how easy it is to make sure they don’t come back. If you’re a new homeowner and just spotted a tiny critter scurrying across your kitchen floor, take a deep breath—this happens to the best of us. Finding a mouse (or mice) in your house is a common issue, but the good news is that you have plenty of options to tackle the problem. Whether you prefer a humane approach or need something more aggressive, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

How Do Mice Get Into My House?

Mice are tiny, resourceful, and excellent at squeezing through the smallest of gaps. Here are some common ways they might be getting inside:

• Gaps in doors and windows – Even a hole the size of a dime is big enough for a mouse to sneak through.

• Cracks in your foundation or walls – Any small opening is an invitation.

• Vents, pipes, and utility openings – They can use plumbing and HVAC systems as superhighways.

• Garage doors left open – Mice often sneak in and find a warm place to hide.

• Firewood, clutter, or bushes close to your home – These create perfect nesting spots and access points.

We originally thought our mouse was coming in with our moving boxes that had been in a storage unit, but we quickly realized they were isolated to our utility room. We took everything out of that room and inspected every inch. We found a small hole where our main water heat line leaves the house. It hadn’t been fully sealed and the mouse (or mice) had pushed through, making the hole bigger. We were able to reseal it with putty and haven’t had an issue ever since.

Signs You Have Mice

Not sure if you actually have mice or just imagined that blur of movement? Here are some telltale signs:

• Droppings – Small, dark, pellet-like droppings in your kitchen, pantry, or under sinks.

• Gnaw marks – Mice love to chew through food packaging, wires, and even wood.

• Scratching noises – Hear tiny rustling or scratching in the walls, attic, or under floorboards?

• Nests – Mice build nests out of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.

• Odd pet behavior – Cats and dogs often detect mice before you do and may act unusually alert or excited around certain areas.

How to Get Rid of Mice (Humane and Inhumane Methods)

Once you confirm a mouse problem, it’s time to take action. Here are your options, from the gentlest to the most aggressive methods.

Humane Methods (No-Kill)

If you prefer a kinder approach, here are ways to encourage mice to relocate without harming them:

1. Seal Entry Points – The best long-term solution! Use steel wool and caulk to plug up holes and gaps.

2. Live Traps – These catch mice without harming them. Just be sure to release them at least a mile away from your home. This is what we opted to do.

3. Peppermint Oil & Natural Deterrents – Mice hate strong scents like peppermint oil, clove, and cayenne pepper.

4. Declutter & Clean – Eliminating food sources and hiding spots will make your home less inviting.

5. Adopt a Cat – If you’re an animal lover, a cat can be a natural and effective deterrent.

Inhumane Methods (Lethal Options)

If the infestation is out of control, you may need stronger measures:

1. Snap Traps – Classic wooden traps kill mice instantly.

2. Electric Traps – More humane than snap traps, these deliver a quick and lethal shock.

3. Poison – While effective, poison is risky if you have pets or children, and mice can die in walls, creating odors.

4. Glue Traps (Not Recommended) – These cause slow, inhumane suffering and should be avoided if possible.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried multiple methods and still have mice, it’s time to call an expert. Professional pest control services can:

• Identify and block all entry points.

• Use safe and effective treatments.

• Handle larger infestations quickly.

• Provide long-term prevention plans.

How to Prevent Mice in the Future

Once you’ve removed the mice, take steps to ensure they don’t return:

1. Seal Up Entry Points – Regularly check for and repair any holes, cracks, or gaps in your home’s exterior.

2. Store Food Properly – Use airtight containers to store grains, pet food, and pantry items.

3. Take Out the Trash – Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.

4. Keep Your Home Clean – Reduce clutter, clean up crumbs, and don’t leave dirty dishes out overnight.

5. Trim Vegetation – Keep bushes, trees, and firewood stacks at least a few feet away from your home’s foundation.

6. Set Preventative Traps – Even if you don’t see mice, placing a few traps in key areas can help catch any new intruders before they become a problem.

Finding a mouse in your home can be unsettling, but it’s completely manageable. Whether you go the humane or traditional route, taking action quickly will keep your home rodent-free. With a little effort, you’ll soon be able to sleep soundly knowing your unwanted guests have moved out for good!