Rodents Gone Wild: What Mice & Rats Do in Your House When You’re Not Looking

If your house were a reality TV show, rodents would be the sneaky cast members you never invited — but somehow, they still showed up and made themselves comfortable.

At Dave’s Pest Control, we get calls all the time that start with, “I swear I heard something…” or “We don’t even have food out!” And yet, mice and rats have a way of turning ordinary homes into their personal playgrounds.

So what are winter rodents really up to when you’re asleep or away? Let’s pull back the curtain.

Midnight Snacking: How Rodents Find Food in “Clean” Homes

One of the biggest myths we hear is, “My house is clean, so it can’t be mice.”

Sorry to break it to you — rodents aren’t picky eaters.

Mice and rats can survive on:

• Crumbs under appliances

• Pet food bowls

• Pantry items in thin packaging

• Trash cans

• Even soap, glue, or cardboard in a pinch

To a rodent, your kitchen is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet… even if you wiped the counters spotless before bed.

Home Renovation (Winter Rodent Edition): Chewing Isn’t Just Annoying — It’s Dangerous

Rodents chew constantly. It’s not bad behavior — their teeth never stop growing.

Unfortunately, your home often pays the price.

Common damage we see includes:

• Chewed electrical wires (a serious fire risk)

• Shredded insulation

• Holes in walls, cabinets, and floors

• Damaged ductwork in attics and crawl spaces

That scratching sound you hear at night? That’s not “just noise.” That’s expensive damage in progress.

Family Planning: Why One Mouse Is Never Just One Mouse

Here’s the part homeowners really don’t like to hear:

Rodents multiply fast.

• A single mouse can have 5–10 litters per year

• Each litter can contain 5–6 babies

• Those babies can start reproducing in just weeks

So while you might spot one mouse dart across the floor, there could already be dozens more nesting behind walls, under floors, or in your attic.

This is why early rodent control matters so much.

Why They Move In: What Attracts Rodents to Your Home

Rodents don’t wander into homes randomly — they’re strategic.

They’re usually looking for:

• Warmth (especially in fall and winter)

• Shelter from predators

• Easy access to food and water

Tiny openings around foundations, vents, doors, garages, and utility lines are all open invitations. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. Rats? About the size of a quarter.

If there’s a way in, they’ll find it.

Signs You Might Be Hosting Unwanted Guests

Not sure if rodents have moved in? Here are some common red flags we see on local service calls:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds at night

• Small droppings in kitchens, pantries, or garages

• Gnaw marks on food packaging or wires

• Musty or urine-like odors

• Nests made of paper, insulation, or fabric

If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Homeowners are usually right.

How to Evict Rodents (and Keep Them Out)

DIY traps might catch one or two rodents — but they don’t solve the root of the problem.

At Dave’s Pest Control, we focus on:

• Identifying where rodents are entering

• Removing active infestations safely

• Sealing entry points to prevent repeat issues

• Providing long-term prevention solutions

Rodent control isn’t just about removal — it’s about keeping them from coming back.

Your Local Rodent Experts Are Just a Call Away

If mice or rats are trying to move into your home, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Dave’s Pest Control is proud to serve our local community with fast, reliable rodent control you can trust.

Whether you’ve heard scratching, seen droppings, or just want a professional inspection, we’re here to help.

📞 Call Dave’s Pest Control today to schedule your rodent inspection and keep your home rodent-free — the way it should be.