House Mouse

House mice are small rodents measuring 2.5-4 inches in body length with a tail equally long. They have light brown to gray fur with a lighter belly, large rounded ears relative to their body, and a pointed nose. Their droppings are rod-shaped, about 1/4 inch long with pointed ends — much smaller than rat droppings. Mice weigh only 1/2 to 1 ounce. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze through gaps as small as 1/4 inch — roughly the diameter of a pencil.

Mouse droppings are the most common sign — small, dark, rod-shaped pellets about 1/4 inch long, found in kitchen drawers, under sinks, along baseboards, and in pantries. You may hear scratching or scurrying in walls and ceilings, particularly at night. Gnaw marks on food packaging, soap bars, and candles are telltale signs. Look for greasy rub marks along baseboards where mice repeatedly travel, and shredded paper, fabric, or insulation used for nesting material.

Our mouse control program at MBPC begins with a comprehensive inspection to identify entry points, travel routes, nesting sites, and food sources. Interior snap traps are placed along walls and in areas of high activity — mice travel along edges and rarely cross open spaces. Exterior bait stations are positioned along foundation walls to intercept mice before they enter. Structural exclusion — sealing all gaps larger than 1/4 inch — is the most critical component for permanent control in our subtropical coastal environment.

Seal all gaps larger than 1/4 inch around the foundation, utility penetrations, dryer vents, and where pipes enter the structure using steel wool, copper mesh, or metal flashing – MBPC can help with this. Store all pantry food in glass, metal, or heavy plastic containers. Keep kitchen counters clear of crumbs and dirty dishes. Declutter storage areas — mice prefer nesting in undisturbed boxes and clutter. If you own a seasonal or vacation property along the Grand Strand, remove all perishable food before closing up, and consider ongoing exterior bait station monitoring by MBPC during vacancy periods to prevent mice from establishing nests while the home sits empty.

House mice are commensal rodents, meaning they have evolved to live closely with humans. In the Grand Strand, they nest inside wall voids, behind appliances, under cabinets, in attic insulation, and inside stored boxes and clutter. They need only a tiny amount of food daily (1/10 ounce) and can survive without free water by metabolizing moisture from food. Our mild coastal winters in SC mean mice remain active year-round outdoors — there is no hard seasonal freeze forcing mass migration indoors. Instead, mice move freely between indoor and outdoor harborage in all seasons. Vacation properties and seasonal homes along the coast are particularly vulnerable during vacancy periods when mice establish nests undisturbed for weeks or months at a time.

Peak activity: Fall-Winter