When we think of summertime pests in Massachusetts, we tend to think of ticks, mosquitoes, and bees - not mice. Fall and winter are typically prime seasons for mice, when they are seeking food and a place to hunker down to avoid the harsh weather to come. This is relatively common knowledge, so if you’re experiencing mouse activity in your Massachusetts home during the summer, you may be wondering why.
Not Just A Winter Pest
It's no secret that mice are a problem for homeowners in the winter, when they are drawn inside by warm air currents flowing from small cracks and crevices in your foundation. While it’s true that mice are perfectly happy outdoors in the warmer months with plenty of food and water sources and no need to escape the cold, our homes are still attractive options for curious, wandering rodents.
What Attracts Mice To My Home In The Summer?
Mice will enter your home in the summer for some of the same reasons they’ll invade in winter.
Access – old or new. Once mice establish an entry point, especially one that leads to a food source, they will use it over and over, all year long. There may also be new cracks or openings caused by harsh conditions from the past winter. Remember, mice only need an opening the size of a dime to squeeze inside, so be sure to seal small cracks and crevices.
Escape from heat. Mice come inside in the winter to stay warm, but like many humans, they will also seek relief from the heat. You may also see increased activity as temperatures rise and mice begin to vacate a hot attic space.
Harborage areas. Overgrowth, leaf litter, yard debris, and wood piles make your property ideal for nesting, while branches touching your home provide a highway to the indoors.
Food. Access to food sources, such as gardens, fruit trees, compost, pet food, bird seed, or food left unsealed, is an open invitation to hungry mice. They may have what they need outdoors during the summer months, but they certainly won’t turn down food that’s inside!
Don’t spend what's left of summer battling a mouse infestation – that’s no fun in the sun.
Mice can be incredibly difficult to eliminate, so when it comes to getting them out of your home and keeping them out, it’s best to call a professional. The experts at Burgess Pest are here to help, so you can enjoy this season uninterrupted by mice. Get started today with a free estimate!
Psst... Looking for more pest control tips? Get your free copy of our 2023 Summer Pest Guidebook here!
