The 4 things mice actually want
1. Heat. When overnight lows drop below 55°F, mice start looking for warm shelter. In PA that's typically mid-September. 2. Food. Even tiny crumbs work. Dog food in an open bag, fruit on a counter, an unsealed bag of rice, pet bowls left overnight. 3. Water. A dripping pipe under a sink. A leaky toilet seal. A pet water bowl. Mice need ~1/30 oz of water per day. 4. An entry point. A 1/4-inch gap is enough for a young mouse. A 1/2-inch gap is enough for a rat.
The 4 mice DON'T need
Common myths:
- Filthy house: mice don't care if you're clean. Spotless homes in Doylestown get mice every fall.
- Single mouse: if you see one, you have more. They're social.
- Outdoor compost: compost can attract them outside, but if there's no entry, they stay outside.
- Cat: a cat catches occasional foragers. It does not control an established population.
What to do tonight
- Move dog food bags into a sealed metal or thick-plastic container
- Empty pet water bowls before bed
- Caulk visible gaps under sinks
- Replace torn weather stripping at exterior doors
- Check the dryer vent — damaged louvres are a top entry route
What needs a professional
If you've seen droppings, heard scratching, or found chewed food packaging:
- Apartment / rowhome — neighbors' problems become yours, treat together
- Old farmhouse — too many entry points to find without trained eyes
- Attic activity — usually mice OR roof rats, requires identification first