Scratching in the Walls? Signs You Might Have Mice in Your Tennessee Home

Few things will make your skin crawl faster than hearing a scratching sound coming from your walls or ceiling. Honestly, any noise coming from there is enough to make you pause; scratching, squeaking, rustling… none of those belong inside your home.

If you’ve been hearing mysterious noises like that, it could be a sign that mice have made their way into your Tennessee home. But sounds aren’t the only clue. Knowing the common signs of a mouse problem can help you catch an infestation early, before these little troublemakers cause bigger (and more expensive) issues.

Why Fall Is Prime Time for Mice

Fall is the busiest time of year for new mouse infestations. When the nights get colder, rodents know they need to find a warmer shelter than their outdoor nests. 

Mice also find it more difficult to get food in the fall. The crops, seeds, fruits, and other foods that are abundant throughout the summer start to dwindle in the fall. This makes mice have to search harder to find food, which can push them into houses. Your kitchen has a large and steady food supply that mice can utilize in the fall and throughout the winter.

It’s easy to understand why mice try to get into your house in the fall, but you might think they won’t be able to get into your house. Think again. Mice don’t need big holes in the wall like in old cartoons. They can get inside through surprisingly small openings. A gap the size of a dime will allow mice to get inside your house this fall. Take a walk around the outside of your house and you’ll probably find an opening or two that mice could use to get into your home.

Common Signs of Mice in Your Home

What signs indicate a mouse infestation in your house? There are several, and most of them are fairly obvious. This is good because it helps you identify an infestation in its early stages. Signs of mice in your Tennessee home include:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds at night

• Droppings near food, on counters, in cabinets, or near baseboards

• Gnaw marks on wires, wood, or food packaging

• Nesting materials, such as shredded paper, pieces of fabric, or insulation

• Strong ammonia-like odors

• Seeing live or dead mice

Why Mice Are a Serious Problem

Mice are more than an annoyance when they get into your house. They’re dangerous. Mice spread bacteria and other pathogens, and bring parasites inside. They cause extensive damage by chewing on wires, insulation, and pipes, and leaving urine and droppings all over the place. They also reproduce quickly, which increases the likelihood of your family getting sick or your house sustaining a lot of damage.

How to Prevent Mice From Getting Inside

Although mouse infestations increase in the fall, there is some good news: You can prevent mice from getting into your house. Making it hard for mice to get inside and reducing the food and shelter that attracts them will make it less likely that you’ll end up with an infestation.

• Seal gaps around foundations, pipes, and vents.

• Install weatherstripping and door sweeps.

• Repair damaged siding and cracks in your foundation.

• Cut back foliage around your house.

• Store wood piles and outdoor trash bins away from your house.

• Remove standing water around your yard.

• Store food in sealed containers.

• Clean crumbs and spills promptly.

• Reduce clutter, especially in storage areas.

When to Call a Rodent Control Pro

Taking the preventative measures above is an important part of mouse control. How do you know when it’s not enough on its own? There are several signs that it’s time to contact the professionals at All-American Pest Control. We’ve been solving rodent problems for over 60 years and recommend contacting us if:

• You’ve seen any of the signs of mouse activity that we mentioned above

• You’ve tried DIY mouse prevention or control, but are still seeing or hearing signs of mice

• You’ve seen mice outside and are worried they could get indoors

• You want to stop a mouse infestation before it starts

Let All-American Solve Your Mouse Problems This Fall

The best time to deal with mice is before they get into your house. By taking the right precautions, you can avoid an infestation and all of the problems it causes. Regardless of whether you want to prevent mice or already have them in your Tennessee home, All-American Pest Control can help. We provide rodent control that eliminates and prevents mice. 

Fall is the perfect time of year to protect your house, both from rodents and from the many other fall pests that frequently get into homes in October. Our Perimeter Plus plan is the best way to keep your home pest-free this fall. 

Contact us today to get started!

Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or reach out online.