Pest guide
Signs of mice in the house
Mice are cautious and nocturnal. You’ll usually notice the evidence before you see the mouse.
Eight signs
- Droppings: rice-sized, dark, along walls, in drawers and under sinks.
- Gnaw marks: on food packaging, cabinet corners and wiring.
- Nesting material: shredded paper, fabric or insulation.
- Sounds: light scratching in walls or ceilings at night.
- Odor: a musky, ammonia-like smell in enclosed spaces.
- Rub marks: faint greasy smudges along baseboards.
- Pet behavior: cats or dogs fixated on an appliance or wall.
- Tracks: tiny footprints in dust in garages or attics.
What to do next
Clean droppings safely by wetting them with disinfectant first and wearing gloves. Store food in sealed containers. Then find and seal entry gaps; UGA notes mice can use openings about the size of a dime. See rodent entry points.
Sources
Sources reviewed November 2026. Regulations change; confirm with the issuing agency.