The Worst Time Of Year For Mice In Denver & All Colorado

Whether you love fall or look at it as an harbinger of winter, it’s clear the season is well underway. The leaves are on fire (metaphorically speaking of course), the mornings are getting cooler with each passing day, and residents in Colorado are starting to encounter uninvited houseguests – mice. Today, we’re diving into the question: what’s the worst time of year for mice in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, as well as throughout Northern Colorado and why.

Why fall is the worse season for mouse problems

The worst time of year for dealing with mice is during the fall, followed closely by winter. Why? Well, as the temperatures start to drop, these furry freeloaders start to realize that it simply won’t do to stay outside when they could move indoors where it’s warm and where there’s plenty of food available to keep their bellies full.

Should you be worried if you find a single mouse in the house?

In a word, yes. Although one or two mice doesn’t necessarily equate to a full-blown infestation, anytime you have mice (or rats) hanging out in the walls, nesting in the attic, stealing morsels from the kitchen, there’s cause for concern. That’s because rodents in Colorado can damage homes and belongings and even create unhealthy conditions. What’s more, mice are prolific breeders so it won’t take long for a small mouse problem to turn into a larger one.

Mouse-related property damage

Unfortunately, mice damage homes and their contents through their chewing/gnawing and nest-building.  Here are a couple of examples of how:

Mice chew and gnaw on just about anything they can find including electrical wires, pipes, wood, drywall insulation, and other building materials as well as kitchen appliances and other machines indoors. They also chew through fabrics, cardboard boxes, and belongings. Unfortunately, their chewing can result in all kinds of damage as well as electrical shorts and even fires.

Mice have been known to nest inside ductwork, which can cause the heating and cooling system to be less efficient and even break down. Furthermore, mice nest in attic insulation and destroy property as they tear through materials to pad their nests.

Health and safety concerns linked to mice infestations

When indoors, mice will move around, and when they do, they leave behind a trail of urine, droppings, and even saliva. Regrettably, this can lead to food contamination and can also trigger allergies and asthma in some individuals and introduce rodent-borne illness such as hantavirus and salmonellosis.

How to stop mice from coming into the house this fall

Although it is conjectured that cinnamon, citronella, and peppermint oil as well as dryer sheets are effective in repelling mice, we believe you’ll have better results when you mouse-proof your home. Here are a few of our most recommended mouse prevention tips:

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Seal the bottom of the garage door with weatherstripping or seal strips
• Seal cracks, holes, and other openings on the outside of the home, including utilities and pipe entrances
• Check roof shingles and look for holes along the roofline
• Make sure gutters are free of leaves and other debris
• Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces dry and well ventilated
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets and take care of other plumbing problems
• Cover vents with screen
• Install a chimney cap
• Keep your firewood pile at least 20 feet away from your house and up off the ground
• Trim tree branches, shrubs, and bushes so that they do not touch the exterior of the house
• Keep your outdoor trashcans covered and do not let boxes and other trash pile up around the bin

What to do if you’re already discovered a mouse infestation

If you’ve found live mice or have seen or heard evidence of them in your home, contact EnviroPest right away. Our locally operated pest control company offers highly effective home pest control services that eliminate mice and rats, no matter how severe the infestation. What’s more, our Colorado’s Choice Smart Service doesn’t just provide rodent control for existing infestations, but also include 24/7 digital rodent monitoring! Reach out today to learn more or to request a free estimate.