How Are Mice Getting Into My House? 7 Sneaky Entry Points Homeowners Miss
You’re not alone if you’ve ever spotted a mouse sprinting across the kitchen floor and thought: “How in the world did it get in here?” The truth is, mice are expert contortionists and opportunists. They only need a hole the size of a dime to slip into your home—and many homeowners never realize how many of those entry points are hidden in plain sight.
At Specter Pest Control, we help homeowners track down and seal up the weak spots mice love to exploit. Let’s walk through the top 7 places mice are sneaking in—and what you can do about it.
1. Gaps Around Utility Lines and Pipes
Water lines, gas pipes, HVAC lines—these all create perfect entry tunnels for rodents. Mice follow scent trails, temperature shifts, and even air currents, making these spots high-traffic areas for rodent intrusion.
What to look for: Gaps where cables or pipes pass through walls, especially near your kitchen, laundry room, or crawlspace.
Fix it: Use steel wool and caulk or rodent-proof mesh to block these openings. Foam alone won’t stop them—mice chew right through it.
2. Cracks in Your Foundation
Even the smallest cracks in your slab or basement foundation can serve as an open door. Over time, soil shifts and moisture can widen these gaps enough for a mouse to squeeze in.
Tip from the field: We’ve found entire infestations coming from one small crack behind a bush or AC unit that a homeowner never saw.
Prevention tip: Walk the perimeter of your home and inspect for visible cracks—especially near corners or low ground.
3. Garage Door Seals That Don’t Seal
Your garage is often the first stop for a curious mouse. And if the rubber seal at the base of your garage door is worn or brittle, it becomes a freeway into your home.
Tell-tale sign: Droppings or nesting debris near the garage corners or storage bins.
Simple fix: Replace your garage door seal yearly, and add a metal threshold if mice keep chewing through it.
4. Gaps Under Exterior Doors
If you can see daylight under a door, a mouse can fit through it. Door sweeps wear down fast—especially on high-traffic doors leading to backyards or porches.
Specter Tip: We always check doors during our initial inspection. It’s one of the most common entry points people miss.
5. Uncapped Vents and Exhaust Openings
Dryer vents, attic fans, and bathroom exhausts can be hidden highways for pests. If these vents don’t have proper covers—or if the covers are damaged—mice will find their way in.
Watch out for: Bends in the vent pipe that might hold nesting materials or droppings.
Solution: Install a pest-proof vent cap made of metal mesh (plastic covers are no match for rodent teeth).
6. Rotted Siding or Soffits
Older homes, especially those with wood siding or aging rooflines, are often vulnerable to rodent entry through softened or rotted areas.
Common in: Homes with overhanging tree limbs or gutters that overflow—moisture leads to wood rot, and mice take full advantage.
What you can do: Keep trees trimmed back, maintain your gutters, and replace any soft or cracked siding promptly.
7. Open Chimneys and Roof Gaps
If your chimney lacks a cap, or there’s an opening near a roofline or dormer, mice (and squirrels) may use it as a ladder into your attic.
Look for: Scratching sounds in your attic, especially at night. It might not be ghosts—it’s likely mice on the move.
Pro move: Install a proper chimney cap and inspect your attic annually for light leaks or droppings.
Why Sealing Entry Points Isn’t Always Enough
Mice are persistent and smart. Even if you patch one hole, they’ll often search out the next. That’s why professional pest control is often the best long-term solution.
At Specter Pest Control, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we get to the root of the problem. Our team inspects the entire property, identifies hidden vulnerabilities, and creates a custom rodent exclusion plan that keeps mice out for good.
Ready to Take Control?
If you’ve seen signs of mice—or want to prevent them before the weather drives them indoors—Specter Pest Control is here to help. Our trained technicians know exactly where to look, what to seal, and how to eliminate active infestations using safe, modern, and family-friendly methods.
Schedule your free home inspection today and let us help you protect what matters most.
