Do mice hibernate?
The short answer is no, mice do not hibernate.
But just like humans, mice like to stay out of the cold. This means instead of snoozing through the cold season, these little creatures will relentlessly look for a warm, cozy shelter. Sometimes these shelters are right inside our homes.
What is Hibernation and Why Don’t Mice Hibernate? – From Mice Control Experts
Hibernation is a state of extended rest that occurs during the colder months when food is hard to find. During this time, animals slow down their metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, and breathing as a means to conserve energy. When the warmer months arrive, the animals come out of hibernation to begin foraging for food and water.
Only three mammal groups in the UK truly hibernate. These are bats, dormice, and hedgehogs.
Other small animals are known to go into periods of torpor, in which they are able to slow down their body functions for shortened periods of time, sometimes even a few days, during the cold to conserve energy. Although this is similar to hibernation, it is not the same because it lasts for shorter periods of time and poses less risk to the animal if it awakens and leaves the energy-conserving state early.
It is a common misconceptions that mice in the winter hibernate. Instead, mice spend the season looking for warm shelter and an easy meal.
Although mice have the genetic ability to enter torpor, it usually lasts only a few hours to half a day, meaning they remain largely active throughout the winter.
How Do House Mice Survive the Winter?
Mice and house mice are resilient rodents.
In the lead up to winter, they adapt their bodies and behaviour to survive the colder weather. House mice grow thicker fur in winter to help add extra insulation. They will also huddle together for extra warmth.
At Liverpool Pest Control Co., our technicians often witness a surge in rodent callouts during the winter months as they try to live inside homes. Even species that typically stay outdoors, like wood mice, will seize the opportunity to move inside if they find an easy entry point.
Any vent, pipe, crack or gap is a welcome opportunity for mice. And their rapid breeding doesn’t slow down, not even for the cold.
Once inside, they’ll establish nests in hidden spots like wall cavities, attics, and basements where you might not spot them straight away. They use materials like insulation, bedding, paper, and fabric to build cozy nests, creating a home within your home.
Pest Control Tips to Avoid Mouse Infestations
A single mouse nest can house anywhere from 12 to 24 mice.
These unwanted guests will scurry around your home in search of food and nesting materials, leaving behind droppings, contamination, and a risk of disease. This makes them a much greater threat than just being an unwelcome winter visitor.
Once you have mice, it can be difficult to get rid of them.
At Liverpool Pest Control Co., we are always eager to guide the public on the ways to prevent mice infestations before they begin. Here are our top tips for mice pest control to protect your home before the winter arrives.
Seal Potential Entry Points
Mice can squeeze into gaps just 6mm in size.
Before the weather gets colder, we recommend sealing any potential entry points around your property using caulk or steel wool. This will stop the mouse problem before it even starts.
Important places to check for are:
- Where pipes enter walls
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Vents and ventilation
- Gaps in walls or flooring
Prevent Food Access
Food sources attract mice, so storing food in sealed containers and promptly cleaning up crumbs and spills makes your home less appealing to them.
Stop Nesting Opportunities
Keeping your home tidy will prevent mice from finding a location to nest within your home. It also increases your chances of spotting the early signs of an infestation before it becomes a bigger problem.
Call in the Professionals – Contact Liverpool Pest Control Co. Today
It is important to remember that mice are active all year round. Once they have found a safe, warm nesting site with access to food, they won’t leave voluntarily on their own.
Make sure you get the professional help you need to get your mouse problem under control, and contact our team at Liverpool Pest Control Co. today.
At Liverpool Pest Control Co., we have an advanced team of professional pest control technicians who are well equipped to handling any pest and rodent problem your home or business may be facing. Whether you need help in mouse-proofing your home, or if you need rapid, effective responses to a mouse infestation, our team is here to help you get the mouse control you need.
For more information on our services, contact our friendly team today on 0141 471 9255.
