It can be quite upsetting to find mice in your nice, cozy home. Whether you are actively searching for it or stumble upon it by accident, the question might arise whether the mouse will return to a disturbed nest. The answer, however, is not a simple yes or no.
In some cases, the mouse will abandon its nest altogether. But these animals are also known to return to the nest, especially if there are baby mice left in the nest. Being exemplary mothers, female mice will come back for their babies whenever they can. They will also usually move their babies to a safer location once the nest is disturbed or uncovered.
How Can You Know Where Mice Are Nesting In A House, And What Does A Mouse Nest Look Like?
If you have seen a mouse in your home, it’s very likely there are more. As mice are rather timid, they rarely venture out into the open where they can easily be spotted. However, you should stay alert to signs that there are mice in your house.
One sign is unusual noises or sounds coming from your walls. You may hear scratching, clawing, running, or squeaking. Mouse activity usually occurs during the nighttime. You may also notice nesting material or mouse droppings on your floor or other surfaces. As one reason mice enter homes is to find food supplies, you may see food packages that have been chewed, or food scraps strewn near the packages.
When mice make nests in houses, the nests can be either loose piles of various materials or materials formed into balls. Nest balls are generally between 4 and 6 inches in diameter, but they can be larger. They have a hole in the center through which they are able to enter and exit at any time. The nests can be made of wood shavings, fabrics, shredded newspapers, or other random scrap materials.
There are a couple of environments mice tend to choose for building their nests. One example is a warm location. This is why it is common to find nests behind refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances that generate heat. Another example is a location near a food supply. You may find a nest in areas where you store food, or the nest may be in the wall behind a food cabinet. As mice eat more than a dozen times per day, they do not want to be far away from food.
How Do Mice Find Their Way Back To The Nest?
When a mouse leaves a nest, it leaves its scent along the route. As mice have a keen sense of smell, it is not difficult for a mouse to follow its own scent back to the nest. In addition, mice have an outstanding sense of direction.
They are able to find their way home in no time, even overcoming obstacles to return to their nests. What’s more, even relocating the mouse some distance from your house will not be enough to get rid of it.
Should You Remove A Mouse Nest?
When you find a mouse nest in your home, it should be removed as soon as possible. There are two main reasons you should make it a priority.
First, mice reproduce rapidly. Even if you only see one nest, it can result in a serious infestation within a few months. If you do not want mice to take over your home, they should be dealt with immediately.
Second, a mouse may look cute, but it is not harmless. There are a number of ways mice can put your home and your family in danger. The rodents carry germs and diseases that can make humans and pets ill.
Mice can be also extremely destructive. It can be much more serious than leaving marks on cabinets and walls from chewing and gnawing. As mice also chew electrical cords, they can start a fire in your home.
If mice get into your food supply, they can ruin your food, too. You would need to dispose of food when mice chew through the packaging, as it is no longer safe to eat for humans or pets.
So What Should You Do If You Disturb A Mouse Nest?
When you find a nest, your first reaction may be to dispose of it immediately. There are a couple of reasons this is not the best approach.
First, it is easy to make a mistake. If you fail to wear a face mask and gloves, you can become ill from handling the nest. If you dispose of a nest close to your home, the mice can come back into your house.
Second, removing a nest does not necessarily mean removing all of the mice. One of the mice may be already out looking for food in your home, and it will try to return to the nesting area.
In addition, disposing of one nest does not mean there are no other nests in your house. Even if you can dispose of one mouse nest, your home may not be entirely free of mice. There can be other nests that you have not located.
These are some of the most important reasons to not make nest removal a do-it-yourself job. Contact a professional in your area as soon as you find a nest in the house. It is also wise to take this approach if you find a nest outdoors. The mice might move into your house, especially if the weather is cold. As they need warmth and food to survive, your home can easily become their home.
Located in South Florida, Wildlife Troopers is your go-to rodent trapping, removal, and control company. Call us today for more information on our services and a free quote and video inspection.