I Have Mice in My Durham, NC Home – What Should I Do?

Discovering mice in your home is never a pleasant experience. Whether you’ve spotted one darting across the kitchen floor or found droppings in a pantry drawer, the realization that these tiny intruders are sharing your living space can be unsettling. Unfortunately, mice are a common problem for homeowners in Durham, NC, thanks to the area’s mild climate and abundant food sources. But the good news is that you don’t have to deal with the issue alone. With the right steps—and help from professionals like Scott’s Turf & Pest Services—you can eliminate mice quickly and prevent them from returning.

Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have mice in your Durham home.

1. Confirm the Signs of Mice

Sometimes the signs of an infestation are obvious, but mice are sneaky and often stay hidden during the daytime. Look for these common indicators:

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets found near food, cabinets, or baseboards.
• Scratching Sounds: Especially at night in walls, ceilings, or attics.
• Gnaw Marks: On food packaging, furniture, or electrical wires.
• Nests: Made from shredded paper, insulation, or fabric in quiet areas.
• Musty Odors: A strong, unpleasant smell in confined spaces.

Even one or two signs usually mean there are more mice nearby—because where there is one, there are often many.

2. Act Quickly—Mice Multiply Fast

A single female mouse can produce dozens of offspring in a matter of months. That means a small problem today can turn into a full-blown infestation before you know it. Acting early is the key to protecting your home from structural damage, food contamination, and health risks.

Some homeowners try store-bought traps or bait stations, but these solutions rarely eliminate the entire nest. Mice are clever, fast, and capable of hiding in incredibly small spaces. When you’re dealing with a growing infestation, professional help is almost always the best option.

3. Call a Professional Pest Control Company

This is where Scott’s Turf & Pest Services can make a huge difference. As a trusted, locally owned company serving Durham and surrounding areas, they understand exactly how mice behave in North Carolina homes and how to get rid of them effectively.

Here’s what sets their service apart:

Thorough Inspections

Mice often enter homes through gaps the width of a dime. Scott’s Turf & Pest Services conducts detailed inspections to find every hidden entry point—something most homeowners never spot on their own.

Customized Treatment Plans

No two infestations are alike. Their technicians design a targeted plan based on where the mice are hiding, how large the population is, and what parts of your home are vulnerable.

Safe and Effective Removal

Rather than relying on ineffective DIY traps, they use professional-grade solutions designed to remove mice quickly and humanely.

Prevention and Exclusion Work

Once the mice are gone, Scott’s focuses on keeping them out. This may include sealing gaps, repairing damaged screens, and offering recommendations to reduce attractants in and around your home.

4. Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

While waiting for professional help—or as part of ongoing prevention—you can begin closing off common entry points where mice sneak inside:

• Gaps around exterior doors and windows
• Openings where utilities enter the home
• Cracks in the foundation
• Holes around attic vents or crawlspaces
• Spaces under garage doors

Use steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing for temporary sealing, but keep in mind that professional exclusion is the most reliable long-term solution.

5. Remove Food Sources

Mice love easy access to food. Make your home less appealing by:

• Storing pantry items in airtight containers
• Keeping counters and floors free of crumbs
• Cleaning up spills quickly
• Securing pet food in sealed containers
• Ensuring trash cans have tight-fitting lids

These steps won’t eliminate mice on their own, but they do help reduce what attracts them in the first place.

6. Declutter Key Areas

Attics, basements, garages, and closets are ideal hiding and nesting spots for mice. Decluttering these spaces helps eliminate places for rodents to hide and makes it easier to detect activity. Use plastic storage bins rather than cardboard boxes, which provide perfect nesting material.

7. Understand the Risks of Ignoring Mice

Some homeowners hope the mice will simply go away on their own—but unfortunately, that never happens. In fact, the longer mice stay, the worse the problems become.

Mice can:

• Chew through electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire
• Contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria
• Trigger allergies and asthma
• Damage insulation, drywall, and personal belongings
• Spread urine and droppings throughout your home

Ignoring the issue can lead to costly repairs and health concerns. Prompt action is always the best choice.

Don’t Handle Mice in Your Home Alone

Finding mice in your Durham, NC home can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. A combination of early detection, prevention steps, and professional intervention is the most effective way to protect your home. With their local expertise, thorough inspections, and long-term rodent control solutions, Scott’s Turf & Pest Services is one of the most trusted names for dealing with mice in the area.

If you suspect an infestation—or simply want peace of mind—contact their team for fast, reliable, and effective help. Your home deserves to be clean, safe, and mouse-free.