What do mice look like?
Mice are small rodents with big black eyes, long whiskers, and a pointed nose. Their tails are thin, scaly, and about as long as their bodies. The most common indoor mouse in Pennsylvania homes is the house mouse, which is typically gray with lighter underbellies. Outdoors, you’re more likely to spot the deer mouse, easily recognized by its reddish-brown back and bright white belly.
Do mice bite humans?
Yes—mice can bite. But it’s rare and usually only happens if they feel cornered or are handled. Mice would much rather stay out of your way.
Are mice dangerous?
Yes, they can be. While their bites aren’t the main concern, here’s why mice are a problem in Pennsylvania homes:
- Mice carry ticks and fleas, which can spread serious illnesses like Lyme disease, typhus, and more.
- They often travel through dumpsters, drains, and sewers, picking up germs along the way.
- As they explore your home, they leave behind droppings, urine, and saliva—all of which can contaminate food and surfaces.
So while a mouse might look harmless, the health risks they bring inside are very real.
What problems do mice cause?
When mice sneak into your home, they’re not just passing through. Here's what they tend to do:
- Leave droppings around pantries, cabinets, attics, and basements.
- Mark territory with urine, which can result in strong odors and buildup over time.
- Chew through insulation, furniture stuffing, clothing, and even drywall to create nests or find food.
- Create holes in walls or siding, which may allow moisture inside—leading to mold, rot, and other structural issues.
How do mice get inside?
Mice are surprisingly skilled at getting indoors. In fact, an adult mouse only needs a hole the size of a dime to squeeze through. Here are a few of the most common entry points in Pennsylvania homes:
- Gaps under doors or around utility lines
- Damaged weatherstripping or door sweeps
- Cracks in foundations or along basement walls
- Chewed holes in wood, siding, or attic vents
- Climbing along tree branches, wires, or pipes to reach rooflines
To truly keep them out, you’ll need to inspect from your foundation all the way to your roof.
Where do mice hide in homes?
Mice prefer warm, quiet spots close to food. In Pennsylvania homes, that often means kitchens, pantries, attics, and wall voids. You might not see them during the day, but they’re usually active at night—sneaking out for crumbs and scurrying back to their nests.
Will mice stay away from a clean house?
Clean homes definitely have fewer food sources, but cleanliness alone won’t keep mice out. Your home still offers shelter from cold Pennsylvania winters, and mice are happy to establish nests in attics, crawl spaces, and basements—even if there’s nothing to eat right away.
How do you get rid of mice?
If you’ve seen a mouse or found signs like droppings or gnaw marks or heard scratching in the walls, it’s time to act. At Evergreen Pest Solutions, our local Pennsylvania pest control pros know how to eliminate active rodent infestations and help you prevent new ones from forming. We use targeted treatments, traps, and exclusion techniques that deliver lasting results.
How can I prevent a mouse infestation?
Here are some tips to help mouse-proof your home:
- Seal gaps and cracks around your foundation, windows, and siding.
- Replace worn-out weatherstripping and door sweeps.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Declutter storage areas like attics and basements.
- Clean up crumbs and spills quickly.
- Trim branches away from your roofline.
- Keep firewood, leaf piles, and debris away from your home’s foundation.
And if you want a hands-off solution, let our team at Evergreen Pest Solutions handle it. We’ll take care of the mice and help you reclaim your home—no stress required.
