Mice are among the most common pests in the United States, especially during the colder months when they seek warmth indoors. In fact, a staggering 14.8 million American homeowners reported encountering rodents in their homes in 2021 alone.
Mice, in particular, are notorious for being difficult to eradicate, as they can adapt to scarce resources and rely on human homes for both shelter and food. So, if you’ve recently spotted a mouse in your house, you might wonder: will mice leave if there is no food? Read on to find out and learn how to keep mice away for good.
Will Mice Leave if There Is No Food?
Mice rely heavily on food to survive, much more than they do on water. Typically, mice can only live for about 2 to 4 days without food.
Interestingly, they can survive for up to a month without directly drinking water, as they absorb most of their moisture from their food. However, getting rid of a mouse problem by simply removing all the human food sources is easier said than done. Mice will eat almost anything to survive—from seeds, flowers, and grass to paper, soap, and even wiring insulation. Therefore, while cutting off their access to food might help deter mice temporarily, it’s rarely enough to eliminate them altogether.
The key to ensuring mice leave your home is making the entire environment unsuitable for them. This means removing food sources, cleaning thoroughly to eliminate crumbs, sealing potential entry points, and avoiding anything that might attract them, such as nesting materials.
Signs That Mice Are in Your Home
If you’re dealing with a potential mice infestation, it’s important to recognize the tell-tale signs. Common signs that mice are present include:
- Scratching Sounds: Mice are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night. You might hear scratching sounds coming from behind walls, ceilings, or floors. Mice can also hide in your basement or attic.
- Droppings: Mice droppings are typically shiny, black or brown, and about the size of a grain of rice.
- Gnaw Marks: Mice constantly gnaw on woodwork, electrical wires, and other materials to keep their teeth short.
- Unusual Smells: A strong, foul odor could indicate the presence of a mouse nest or urine.
- Unusual Pet Behavior: Pets, especially cats and dogs, may detect mice before you do and may seem anxious or excited when they sense rodent activity.
You can learn more about signs you have mice here. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a pest control professional immediately to prevent the problem from escalating.
Why Do Mice Enter Homes?
Mice enter apartments or homes for two primary reasons: shelter and food. In the winter, they are driven indoors by the harsh weather, looking for a safe and warm space to nest. Any easy access, such as cracks in walls or gaps around doors, provides an entry point for these opportunistic rodents.
In addition to shelter, food is another significant factor that attracts mice. Poor sanitation, unsealed food containers, and improperly disposed trash provide mice with plenty of food options. Mice can even chew through plastic and cardboard packaging to get to what they want. Once a mouse has set up residence, it’s common for others to follow, leading to a full-blown infestation.
To deter mice, it’s essential to seal all potential entry points, store food in airtight containers, and maintain a clean, uncluttered home. Even outdoor conditions, like overgrown vegetation, can provide mice with hiding spots and make it easier for them to invade your home.
How to Get Rid of Mice
Getting rid of mice involves a combination of DIY methods and professional pest control. Here are some common ways to tackle a mouse problem:
- Sealing Entry Points: Use steel wool or caulk to seal any gaps or holes where mice could enter. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a pencil eraser, so be thorough.
- Traps: Traditional mouse traps baited with peanut butter can be effective for catching individual mice. Set traps along walls where mice tend to travel.
- Repellents: Sprinkling cayenne pepper or using peppermint oil can deter mice temporarily, as they dislike strong smells.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Make sure your home is free from food crumbs, standing water, and nesting materials like old rags or laundry.
However, while DIY solutions can help control the mouse population, they rarely eliminate infestations entirely. Hiring a pest control company is often the most effective way to get rid of mice for good, as they have specialized tools and strategies to ensure all mice are eradicated.
Will Mice Leave on Their Own?
It’s unlikely that mice will leave your home on their own unless the conditions become highly unfavorable. If there is no food and no suitable nesting material, mice might look for a more comfortable environment. However, they can be relentless and will continue to survey the area in hopes that conditions change in their favor. In many cases, even if your home is entirely devoid of food, mice can still set up a nest inside and find food elsewhere, such as from a neighboring home.
One effective way to make conditions unfavorable is to introduce deterrents, such as a cat or regular pest control treatments. Mice are less likely to colonize an area where they perceive a threat to their safety.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Mice?
The time it takes to get rid of mice depends on the level of infestation. With professional pest control, you may start seeing results within a few days to a couple of weeks. For severe infestations, it may take longer to completely get rid of mice. It’s also crucial to address the root cause of the problem, such as sealing entry points and eliminating food sources, to prevent new mice from moving in.
While mice need food to survive, they are resourceful and can live off a wide range of materials, making them difficult to deter simply by removing food sources. Keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and eliminating potential nesting spots are all vital steps in making your home less appealing to mice. For the best results, enlist the help of a pest control professional to ensure that any existing infestation is fully eradicated and that your home remains mouse-free in the future.
OPP’s Quick & Effective Mice Control Solutions
At Official Pest Prevention, we know how stressful a mouse problem can be. That’s why our services are designed to eliminate the problem at its source and prevent future infestations. We combine traditional methods with advanced technology to deliver superior mice control solutions, making for a quick and effective removal of existing problems, and the ongoing prevention against new ones:
SMART Technology:
Our advanced systems detect rodent activity in real time, providing continuous monitoring and early intervention before the problem worsens, or any new problems arise.
Thorough inspections:
Our local, expert technicians assess the size of the problem, and identify all possible entry points and high-risk areas to ensure the entire home is secure.
Non-harmful treatments:
The methods and substances we use to remove mice, rats, and other rodents – and to prevent them from coming back – are geared to protecting your family and pets in the process.
“We don’t just stop pests—we prevent them from ever coming back. That’s our promise.”
What to Expect When You Work with Official Pest Prevention
Quick, effective solutions and peace of mind
We understand that inviting a pest control technician into your home is a big decision. And you’re not just looking to solve a mice problem: you’re looking for quick, effective solutions and peace of mind. That’s why we make the process as simple and transparent as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you book a service with us:
Free inspection:
One of our trained technicians will thoroughly inspect your home, identifying signs of mice activity, entry points, and potential problem areas.
Customized treatment plan:
Based on the inspection, we’ll design a treatment plan tailored to your home and your family’s specific needs, utilizing tactics and tools like humane traps, exclusion methods, and monitoring systems.
Ongoing support & prevention:
After the initial treatment, we’ll continue to support you in monitoring your home and providing tips on keeping it mice-free. If needed, we’ll return for follow-up visits to ensure the problem stays resolved.
“Our team is dedicated to making sure your home is secure, and we won’t leave until you feel confident that the problem is under control, and you have no more questions.”
Don’t let mice turn your home into theirs. Call Official Pest Prevention today at (877) 711 2847 to schedule an inspection, or fill out our online form for fast, professional mice control services. With same-day service available, we’re ready to help you take back your home.
Protect your home from damaging mice infestations. Contact Official Pest Prevention today for your free inspection and customized mice control plan.
