How do I stop mice from getting into my house in winter?

Start with a full perimeter inspection using the 1/4-inch pencil test to find gaps. Seal small holes with copper mesh and caulk, larger openings with 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth, and masonry cracks with mortar or concrete patch. Remove food sources and clutter that give mice a reason to stay. If mice are already inside, use enclosed traps placed along walls near entry points and check them every one to two days. If the problem persists after sealing and trapping, contact a pest control professional for a complete rodent exclusion inspection.

At what temperature do mice start coming inside?

Mice increase shelter-seeking behavior as outdoor temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s°F at night. They remain active year-round but intensify scouting for warm, sheltered spots as fall sets in, which is why late September through November tends to be peak entry season in the Kansas City area.

Can mice chew through expanding foam?

Yes. Standard expanding foam is not a mouse barrier on its own. A determined mouse can chew through it in a matter of hours. Always use copper mesh or galvanized hardware cloth as the primary seal, with foam added only as a secondary layer to fill gaps and improve insulation.

What's the best bait for mouse traps?

Peanut butter is reliable and widely recommended. Use a pea-sized amount, enough to attract the mouse without giving it room to steal the bait without triggering the trap. Check traps every one to two days and replace bait that has dried out.