As soon as the sun goes down and most people go to sleep, a whole new world of action starts to appear. This is where the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) lives. It’s a small, harmless animal that causes problems for people at night. To really understand these nighttime pests, we need to look into how they act when it’s dark.
Why do house mice come out at night?
For a number of good reasons, house mice have evolved to be mostly active at night. For starters, the nighttime gives them some protection from their many enemies, such as birds of prey, snakes, and pets like cats and dogs. In the dark, they are much less likely to be caught while they are moving around.
How they find food and how they eat
House mice eat whenever they can, and the fact that they are active at night is closely linked to how they eat. They usually look for food at night to escape the dangers that come with foraging during the day. This includes going through cabinets and boxes and nibbling on food scraps and crumbs that are left out on kitchen tables. They can quickly find food sources because they have a strong sense of smell.
Looking into Territories
Mice like to protect their territory, and this includes what they do at night. It is only at night that they actively explore and mark their territory with scent and urine. This marking of their territory helps them show who is in charge and talk to other mice nearby.
Making Babies Under the Cover of Night
The nighttime hours are also important for house mice when it comes to reproducing. Most mating takes place at night, and female mice also give birth in the dark, where they feel secure. This way of reproducing fits with their overall plan for survival, which is to stay hidden from predators as much as possible.
Navigation at Night
House mice are very good at finding their way around in the dark. A lot of the time, they use their smell, touch, and sound to stay safe. Their sharp senses help them avoid danger and quickly find food, water, and a place to stay.
Problems at Night for Homeowners
House mice have developed to be active at night to help them stay alive, but this behaviour often gets in the way of what people want. During the day, people may not notice these pests at all, but at night, they may find clear signs that they are there.
At night, the sounds of little paws running around, teeth grinding, and the odd squeak can be annoying. Mouse activity can also be seen in the form of chewed wires, torn packages, and droppings that are left behind in the morning.
Handling House Mice That Come Out at Night
Getting rid of house mice that come out at night takes more than one method. For renters, here are some tips:
- Filling in Gaps and Cracks: Fill in holes and cracks in walls, doors, and windows to keep rats out.
- Food Storage: Keep food in containers that keep air out, and quickly clean up any crumbs or spills.
- Use of Mouse Traps and Baits: Place mouse traps and baits in places where mice are likely to be.
- Professional Pest Control: If there are a lot of pests, you may need to hire professional pest control services to get rid of the problem for good.
- Keep Your Home Clean: Keep your home clean and free of trash to get rid of places where birds could nest and food sources.
Even though house mice are small, the fact that they only come out at night can cause a lot of problems for people who live in their homes. To effectively avoid and control them, you need to know what they do at night. Homeowners can get back to having peaceful nights and protect their houses from these nighttime bothersome things by taking proactive steps and getting professional help when they need it.
All our licensed exterminators are trained, certified, and insured against unforeseen circumstances. Our professionals are true experts in their field and have been a mainstay at Mouse Control Lindsay for years.