Mice hide at night in dark, undisturbed, and warm places near food, such as behind and under large appliances (fridges, stoves), inside wall voids and insulation, in cluttered cabinets, pantries, closets, and storage areas (attics, basements, garages). They create nests from soft materials like paper and insulation in these secluded spots to stay hidden from predators and humans.
Mice will build nests in wall voids, ceilings, garages, attics, crawl spaces, under refrigerators/stoves/dishwashers, and even in boxes or drawers if given the chance. Oftentimes the nest is difficult to locate, sometimes inaccessible to humans altogether.
Indoor Hiding Places
Wall voids that are insulated and located close to heat sources. Voids in and behind large kitchen appliances. Areas that are hidden by stored items and clutter. Inside furniture and infrequently emptied or inspected storage boxes.
Scratching noises - Often at night when mice are most active. Listen for noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements and lofts. Nests - Using easy to shred materials, mice then line the nest with other soft materials.
The practical way to lure mice out of hiding is strategic placement of traps and tamper‑resistant bait stations along the routes they already use: walls, corners, and tight gaps near fresh droppings or gnaw marks. When considering how to get a mouse to come out of hiding, think of guiding them as well as baiting.
Mice are generally wary of humans and prefer to avoid direct contact. However, they may explore the sleeping area if they perceive a food source nearby. To prevent this, ensure your bedroom is free of food remnants, and take steps to seal entry points. If needed, consider using traps as a proactive measure.
The best way to get rid of rats or mice is by using traps. If using spring loaded traps for rats, bait three of them in a row without setting them.
The sounds you hear are often signs of mice foraging, nesting, or expanding their territory within your home's structure. Understanding why mice scratching walls in January is so common helps you take the right preventive steps, sealing entry points, removing attractants, and scheduling professional inspections.
In the spring and summer when temperatures are warm, mice are very active and will breed and expand their population outdoors. Mice have low cold tolerances, so when temperatures get colder in the fall and early winter months, they'll look for warmer shelter and reliable food sources to survive.
Most old houses will have a mouse or two from time to time, houses are warm and full of water and food so they come in. You will hear them if you have a real problem, either scratching in the walls or running through the attic.
Getting Rid of Rodents in an Oven
For rodents, ovens are an ideal place to make a nest. With a potentially endless supply of food crumbs, nice warmth, and out-of-sight spaces, it's a home sweet home for them. The most common place in an oven for mice or rats to make their nests is in the lower oven drawer.
Mice will go out scavenging for food when it's quiet, or there's a lack of activity in your home. They will go out during the day and when the lights are on if there is no other activity around. When you're up and about, mice are likely hiding.
Not only is it disturbing to think about mice crawling on you when you sleep, it is also extremely dangerous to have mice in your bedroom, even if they just hop up on your nightstand, or go through your closet.
Many people ring us up saying that they have heard a scratching noise within their wall or above them at night. This is because rats and mice are nocturnal animals and tend to come out around 12am – 3am looking for food. If you do see rats or mice in the daytime then you have a much larger problem.
Peppermint oil: Mice dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Soak cotton balls with peppermint oil and place them around entry points or nesting areas. Cayenne pepper or garlic spray: Mix cayenne pepper or garlic with water and spray it along fences, garden borders, and sheds to repel mice.
The Reality About “Just One” Mouse
You might think that spotting one mouse means you only have one mouse. This rarely happens. Mice live in family groups and reproduce quickly. If you see one mouse during the day, it usually means the hidden population has grown large enough that they're competing for food and space.
Learn about mice and their top predators in the wild and in urban environments.
During the day, mice sleep hidden away in their nests, typically made of soft materials. Nesting materials could include shredded paper, cardboard boxes, insulation, or cotton.
Here's how to get rid of mice in walls:
Professional Pest Control: For effective and safe removal, consider hiring a pest control professional, especially for protected species like bats. Sealing Entry Points: To prevent future invasions, seal all potential entry points, including small openings around pipes and cracks in the foundation.
Look for signs of rat or mouse infestation: Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink. Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. Signs of chewing on food packaging.
Signs of a Mouse Nest in Your Home
Look along the perimeter of rooms. Gnaw marks on walls, floors, cabinets, and food packaging. Mice constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing, so fresh gnaw marks are a red flag that they're nearby. Gnaw marks on walls, floors, cabinets, and food packaging.
There are several common triggers that can attract mice to invade homes. These include the availability of food sources, shelter, and easy access points. Mice are attracted to homes that provide abundant food sources such as open pet food containers, uncovered garbage bins, and improperly stored pantry items.