How do they get in?
Mice are expert Harry Houdinis. They can slip through a small space that you may not consider a possibility. They can crawl up pipes, as often there are great holes through cabinets, walls, and floors for easy entrance into your kitchen or home. They will not live in your attic unless it is a temperate area, which is usually not the case.
How much do they weigh?
Most mice are around 1/2 an ounce, to over 3 ounces. Depending on how old they are, you can rely on them eating and drinking around 1/2 an ounce each day! They will eat more when pregnant or nursing.
What kinds of nesting materials will they use?
Mice like fluffy beds, and are really proud of their nests. They will pull stuff from your craft stash, wreck a wool sweater, chew up a washcloth, and drag in natural soft materials for the nest. Moms are particularly full of damage, as they will chew stuff up in your home, and pull it back to the nest. Pillow stuffing is great nesting materials! If mice use a corncob, or other super absorbent bedding material for the nest, it will kill the babies by drying them out. Baby disposeable diapers, and feminine products can be a bad thing for mouse nests, as the plastic absorbent layer can kill the babies.
Will mice leave if I clean my house?
If you are a bit of a pig pen, you might want to consider a good thorough house cleaning. This would include trashing any piles of paper, some filing on office documents, and building some storage for any items on the floor. The very act of moving stuff around can make mice nuts, as they like to keep the status quo while they are on this planet for the 3 years they have. It can create conflict in the community, and sometimes will be a great motivator for a pest exodus.
