How to Find Mice Entry Points

Discovering tiny squeaks or droppings in your home? These are two of the biggest signs of mouse infestations!

The key to solving a mouse problem isn't just setting traps. It's finding and sealing the spots where they sneak in. This guide will help you discover common mouse entry points and show you how to close them off for good.

Why Finding Mouse Entry Points Is the Key to Lasting Control

The first step to ridding your home of mice is understanding why they came in in the first place. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, which means they only need a tiny gap or crack to wiggle their way inside.

Once you’ve noticed signs of an infestation, you can set traps to put an end to it. But that’s not all! You also need to find and close your home’s mouse entry points to keep them out for good. 

Think of your home like a bucket with holes – you can keep scooping out water (catching mice), but until you patch the holes (seal entry points), you won’t get rid of the problem.

Knowing how to eliminate mouse entry points will not only stop new mice from coming inside, but also protect your family from the many diseases mice can carry. Stopping mice infestations before they start will save you money on having to repeatedly purchase pest control items and prevent damage from mice to your home’s insulation, wiring, and building materials.

The Most Common Mouse Entry Points in Homes and Garages

Before you can stop mice, you need to know where to look for them. Of course, the first step is to pay close attention to the spaces where you’ve spotted mouse droppings or other sure-fire signs.

Once you’ve figured out where the mice are hiding in your house, you need to figure out how they’re getting in. Let’s talk about some of the most common mouse entry points so you can check those first.

Gaps Under Doors and Garage Doors

One of the most obvious ways mice get inside is through gaps under doors. If you can see daylight under your door, that's plenty of room for a mouse to squeeze through. Garage doors are especially problematic because they often have larger gaps where they meet uneven ground.

Cracks and Openings in Foundations or Walls

Mice are excellent climbers and can easily navigate through small cracks in your foundation or walls. Settling or age-related wear and tear in your home often causes these openings. Weather damage or poor construction can also cause cracks or openings in your foundation and walls.

Spaces Around Utility Lines, Pipes, and Vents

Every wire, pipe, or vent that enters your home creates a potential entry point for mice. Common areas include the spaces around cable and internet lines, air conditioning connections, dryer vent openings, water pipes, or gas lines.

Rooflines, Soffits, and Attic Vents

Mice don’t just gain access through ground-level openings. They’re also surprisingly good climbers and can make their way up to the top of your home. Some common mouse entry points include damaged roof vents, gaps in soffits, missing or damaged roof tiles, and poorly sealed attic vents.

Windows, Crawlspace Vents, and Basement Openings

Ground-level openings are also important to look for when finding mouse entry points. Be sure to check window wells, basement window frames, crawlspace access points, and foundation vents carefully for cracks or openings.

Gaps Inside Garages Where Walls Meet the Slab

Garages are another prime mouse entry point. They often have hidden gaps where walls meet the concrete floor. These spaces might seem tiny to us, but they are perfect doorways for mice.

The Most Overlooked Mouse Entry Points in Homes and Buildings

While some entry points are obvious, others are easily missed. Mice can squeeze into some pretty tiny spots, so don’t forget to look for them in these overlooked spots: 

• Behind kitchen cabinets
• Inside fireplace chimneys
• Around outdoor faucets
• Behind gutters and downspouts
• Inside hollow decorative columns
• Around window air conditioning units

How to Seal Mouse Entry Points 

Now that you know how to find mice entry points, let’s talk about the steps you need to take to close them. 

You’ll often need materials such as steel wool or copper mesh for small holes, caulk for tiny cracks, or sheet metal for larger gaps. For under-door spaces, door sweeps work great.

Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to get to work closing up those entry points. Start by cleaning the area thoroughly, including getting rid of any dirt, debris, or old mouse droppings. You should also remove anything nearby that could be attracting mice to that specific spot. This includes things like food crumbs, water, and clutter.

When you’re ready, install your selected sealing material. Make sure that all cracks and holes are completely sealed so you don’t risk another infestation. Remember to check these spots often to make sure mice don’t find a way to make an opening again.

Pairing Exclusion With Catchmaster Mouse Traps for Complete Protection

Finding and sealing mouse entry points is only half the battle. Ensure that your home is completely protected by: 

• Setting mouse traps near sealed entry points to catch any remaining mice
• Placing additional traps along walls and in corners
• Checking and maintaining traps regularly
• Continuing to monitor sealed areas for new attempts at entry
• Choosing the right trap for your environment. Use a tray in humid places, like under the sink or near a water heater, or glue boards for dry locations

Remember, fighting against a rodent infestation takes time, patience, and attention to detail. You have to thoroughly inspect your home and seal even the smallest openings. By combining the right exclusion methods with effective trapping, you can create a mouse-free environment that lasts.

If you do find yourself battling a mouse problem, you can always turn to the same pest control expert that the professionals do – Catchmaster! Our rodent traps have been loved by homeowners and professionals alike for decades. Protect your home and become a Catchmaster today!