It often starts with a rustling sound behind the wall or finding tiny droppings in the pantry. You know there’s a problem, but where are the mice hiding? Mice are quiet, fast, and adaptable creatures. Addressing a mice infestation in your home begins with understanding their habits, preferred hiding spots, and when they are most active. Here’s a straightforward guide for homeowners, based on practical pest control knowledge from across New Jersey.

What Attracts Mice To Your Home

Mice are drawn to three essential things: food, water, and shelter. Common attractions that lure mice into your home include:

• Unsealed pantry items and pet food left out overnight
• Crumbs under appliances and open trash cans
• Leaky pipes or damp basements
• Gaps around doors, siding, utility lines, and foundation cracks

Eliminating these resources is the first step in effective pest control for mice in Essex Fells, NJ.

Early Warning Signs of a Mice Infestation

You’ll usually spot evidence before a sighting. Watch for these signs of mice infestation:

• Pellet-like droppings along baseboards and inside cabinets
• Gnaw marks on wires, wood, and food packaging
• Greasy rub marks on walls and along frequently used paths
• Nests made from shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
• Noises such as scratching or scurrying coming from walls and ceilings

If you spot multiple signs at once, it suggests active mice in Cedar Grove, NJ.

Where Do Mice Like To Hide? A Room-by-Room Look

Mice hiding spots in the house tend to be warm, quiet, and near food or nesting material:

• Kitchen and appliances – Behind and under stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers, as well as inside lower cabinets and pantries. These spots offer warmth and food scraps in Montclair, NJ.
• Utility and storage – Basements, attics, and garages are ideal for nesting in insulation, storing boxes, and cluttered corners. The quiet atmosphere makes detection harder in Midland Park, NJ.
• Living Areas and bedrooms – Inside sofas and recliners, behind entertainment units, and deep in closets. Do mice hide in clothes? Yes, undisturbed drawers, laundry piles, and storage bins are attractive where mice like to hide when fabric is available.

Why Mice Come Out Mostly at Night

Mice are primarily nocturnal. They typically come out after dark when the house is quiet and food is accessible. If you notice daytime movement, it may indicate a larger population or limited nighttime resources, both signs that suggest considering professional pest control services in New Jersey.

Tips For Getting Rid of Mice

A layered approach works best for effective pest control:

1. Seal entry points: Caulk cracks, install door sweeps, and screen vents.
2. Improve sanitation: Store food in airtight containers and wipe surfaces nightly.
3. Address moisture issues: Repair leaks and use dehumidifiers as needed.
4. Declutter: Reduce hiding spots in attics, basements, and garages.
5. Place traps strategically: Put traps along walls where droppings and rub marks appear. Rotate baits and trap styles to prevent mice from becoming trap-shy.

DIY methods can help, but if you have a growing colony, you will need a targeted plan from an experienced pest control company familiar with local building styles.

Reliable Mice Control for New Jersey Homes

Horizon Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company based in Midland Park that serves homes across New Jersey. Since 1970, our licensed technicians have delivered tailored pest control services for mice, including a detailed inspection, targeted elimination, and professional exclusion to block future entry points. We also offer preventive programs and eco-minded solutions for lasting results. If you notice the signs above, contact us for a prompt assessment and a clear, local plan to protect your home.