How to Prevent an Infestation of Mice

in Your Minnesota Home

October 8, 2025

Mice are a common nuisance for homeowners, especially in Minnesota, where they seek warmth and shelter during colder months. Beyond the initial “squeal factor,” a mouse infestation can lead to significant damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. Understanding how to prevent mice from entering your home is crucial for long-term control.

Why is preventing mice from getting into my home important?

Mice are more than just a minor annoyance; they can create an unsafe environment and cause costly damage. From chewing electrical wires, which creates a potential fire hazard, to contaminating food. Here’s what you might see versus what’s actually happening when mice invade your home:

1. You see just one mouse, but actually...

Mice are nocturnal and reproduce rapidly. A single female can produce multiple litters of three to seven mice every 30 days, starting as early as 6 to 8 weeks old. This means a seemingly small problem can quickly escalate into a large infestation in just a few months.

1 mouse
1 Mouse
8 mice
6-8 pups every 30 days
4 female mice
If half are female, that's 4 new breeding mice
28 mice
4 breeding mice X litters of 7 pups = 28 new mice in 30 days!

2. You see a few droppings, but actually...

Each mouse produces 50-100 droppings daily and urinates frequently, shedding fur and contaminating every surface they touch. Mice are also a common trigger for allergies and asthma, with allergens found in their urine, fur, and dander.

Mouse droppings
mouse chewed wire

3. You notice one chewed package, but actually...

Mice are “nibblers” and will visit food sources 20-30 times a day. The most expensive loss caused by mice is often due to food and other household items that become contaminated and must be thrown away.

Empty mouse trap

4. You stop seeing mice, but actually...

While do-it-yourself (DIY) mouse control or professional baiting and trapping might temporarily remove visible mice, the underlying issue isn’t necessarily solved. Mice leave scent trails that attract new mice, leading to recurring infestations if entry points are not sealed. Focusing only on elimination leaves Minnesota homeowners back at square one when mice find their way back into the house.

Smells like mice

5. What is that smell?

Over time, mouse urine can saturate insulation, creating noticeable odors. You may also find stains on items stored in areas where mice have nested, contaminating the area within 10-25 feet of their nests.

pest control technician using mirror to find entry points mice use to enter home

Is there a long-term solution for preventing mice from getting into my home?

The most effective way to keep mice out of your home is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Rainbow Pest Experts’ mouse control services offer a warrantied* solution for keeping your Minnesota home mouse free! Our process includes:

  • Locating the source of the infestation: Identifying where mice are entering and nesting.
  • Addressing challenges: Tackling any unique issues that may impact the success of the control efforts.
  • Placing tamper-proof bait stations: Strategically placing locked bait stations that require a special key to be opened.
  • Sealing your home’s foundation: Using contractor-grade materials to seal entry points and prevent future access.

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*Warranty: If only Stage 1 is selected, it is covered by a 60-day warranty. However, the full service (Stage 1 and 2) is covered by a 2-year limited warranty and two additional free mouse-related visits within 2 years of foundation work.

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